Travel Vaccinations

Most out of country vacations will require that travelers are up to date on immunizations. Certain destinations may need further shots in order to allow entrance, and at BC-OccuHealth, LLC, we are able to accommodate patients for these vaccinations. Along with the determinations made by destination, we can also advise patients of the pre-emptive care that may be required based on other factors. These may include:
  • How long a traveler is planning to stay
  • Age and health conditions
  • Environmental conditions of the destination
  • Type of accommodations
  • Personal immunity concerns

Since vaccinations generate immunity within the body’s natural defenses over a period of time, we recommend that patients who are planning a trip attend to these needs at least four to six weeks before the date of travel. This allows for the vaccines to take the desired effect, and also allows for patients to monitor if there are any minor side effects such as rashes at the injection site which may need to be monitored.

What types of vaccines do I need to travel?

Many travel destinations will have specific vaccination needs. We encourage our patients to research this in advance through the CDC Traveler’s Health website. Your destination country might also have information related to necessary vaccines prior to your arrival.  At BC-OccuHealth, LLC, we follow the CDC guidelines and recommendations for travel to foreign countries. Some of the more common travel vaccinations that are administered include:

  • Typhoid
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Meningitis
  • Yellow fever

Although patient destination will determine the full range of immunizations that are necessary, a review of medical history can also help us decide whether patients are in need of a booster or whether they require initial immunizations as well. This is another reason that we recommend our patients to attend to these needs at least a month prior to their travel.

Can I be Protected Against Malaria?

Malaria is a real problem for most of the equatorial region and Southern hemisphere.  Travelers who are staying these regions can often be exposed to malaria through local insect populations. BC-OccuHealth, LLC is also able to help our patients with malaria medications.

Can Travel Vaccines Make Me Sick?

While most of our patients do not have any adverse reaction to travel vaccinations, it is still common to experience a slight fever or even flu like symptoms after the shots are given. We like to remind our patients that this is perfectly natural, and is simply a reaction of the immune system as it develops the necessary antibodies to keep our patients safe while they are abroad. We also understand that it can be helpful to have experienced doctors to monitor when this happens, and thus encourage vacationers to have their shots done well in advance of the trip.

Other Considerations When You Receive Travel Vaccinations

Although patient destination will determine the full range of immunizations that are necessary, a review of medical history can also help us decide whether patients are in need of a booster or whether they require initial immunizations as well. This is another reason that we recommend our patients to attend to these needs at least a month prior to their travel.

Some of our patients also have experiences with traveler’s diarrhea, nausea, motion sickness, and other minor concerns that can occur while on vacation. Upset stomach is a common complaint, even for people who are vacationing within the country. While part of the cause may be due to normal anxieties that arise when traveling, the gastric distress can also be caused by environmental differences that are present in different regions.

Essentially, even different areas within the country have varied microbes and allergens. It will often take a person’s immune system a few days to adjust to these changes, and this can cause the discomfort. At BC-OccuHealth, LLC, our doctors can also prescribe antibiotics which can reduce the symptoms and distress, to ensure that patients will be at ease regardless of where they are traveling.

Are Vaccines for Travel Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, travel vaccinations are not covered by insurance.  We provide travel vaccination through our BC-OccuHealth, LLC division, which is not contracted with any insurance carrier. All vaccinations will be done as self-pay and payment must be made at time of service.