Vaccinations

ROUTINE VACCINES

• MMR – Must have had at least 2 doses=> THIS IS IMPORTANT!

• Tetanus – If you have not had a Td in the past 5 years and have never had a TDaP, please do so before we leave.

• Polio – Must have the 4 dose series.

• Hepatitis A (food borne) – You should have the 2 vaccine series – first one gives some immunity; second one 6 months later. It’s ok if the series is not complete before travel.

• Hepatitis B (blood and body fluids borne) – Must have 3 vaccine series – one now, one in a month, the last in 6 months. It’s ok if the series is not complete before travel.

 

SPECIFIC VACCINES

• Typhoid (water-borne) –

  • Pills – 4 doses – one every other day – to be completed a week before arrival 

    • Note: can buy these at COSTCO

  •  - Or -

  • A shot  - one 2 weeks before exposure and every 2 years - More info at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html

 

PROPHYLAXIS

• Malaria (mosquito-borne) –

  • Chloroquine – 500 mg. One pill by mouth weekly starting one week before and continuing for 4 weeks after travel. Take on a full stomach. (Total 6 pills for one week trip /7 for 2 weeks)

  • – Or –

  • Doxycycline – 100mg, One pill by mouth daily starting 1-2 days before travel.

 

ADDITIONAL

Insect repellant – 30-50% DEET – The higher strength lasts longer between applications, but is no more effective. (see below for more on mosquitos)

 

The vaccines above can be obtained from a travel clinic or pharmacy; not just your doctor. If you need a prescription for the chloroquine, Jennifer or Teresa can provide this.

Call with questions at 206-200-2418. 

 

Note:  The CDC website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/) has a complete list of required vaccinations.