As discussed in our earlier post Top Moving Abroad Challenges one of the healthcare questions to consider is in regards to immunizations. Most Americans get a pretty routine series of immunizations throughout our childhood. Just since the 1970’s there have been many changes to standard immunizations. Depending on your age and circumstances your list of immunizations may vary. Some examples of common immunizations: measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hib, HPV, hepatitis B, varicella, rotavirus, hepatitis A, pneumococcal, meningococcal, yearly influenza, and now Covid-19. Despite that not-insignificant list, there are even more immunizations to consider when setting out to explore the world.
Prior to setting out on our adventure Dog received ten shots while Dragon received “only” nine. Dog was due for a Tdap update so got a little extra. We spread these out over 2 visits, getting 4-5 at each visit. Keep in mind this is not even close to an exhaustive list and doesn’t include possible boosters depending on personal history. This is just an example of some of the new immunizations we had to get, as well as some additional medications we were prescribed to take with us for use depending on our destination and/or exposure risk.
Immunizations List
This is a list of the immunizations and medication we received prior to departure. This post is simply intended to share our experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice or opinion. For more information on each item there is a link provided to the CDC vaccine information statement (VIS).
- Typhoid Vaccine – Common in many parts of the world outside the United States including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Spread human to human.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine – Spread by mosquitos mainly in Africa and South America.
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine – Spread by mosquitos mainly in Asia and the Western Pacific.
- Polio Vaccine – Polio was eliminated in the United States by rigorous vaccination programs. Spread human to human.
- Meningitis Vaccine – Meningococcal disease exists in the United States and around the world. Spread human to human.
- Rabies Vaccine – Rabies exists in the United States and around the world. Spread by infected animals. We got the first 2 in a series. This gives us an extra 24 hours to find a treatment center. Without it you only have 24 hours to find a treatment center. Highly recommended if you are going to very remote places and may have difficulty finding a treatment center.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine – Hep A exists in the United States, but is less common than many other parts of the world due to the availability of the vaccine. Spread human to human and via ingestion of contaminated items. We got the first of two in this series.
Medications List
The international travel clinic also recommended a number of other medications in addition to the vaccines we received prior to leaving the United States. Sadly vaccines do not exist for every potential ailment that can happen when moving or travelling abroad. Immunizations are not the only answer. Here is a list of the other additional potential issues we were prescribed medications for.
- Malaria – While cases do occur in the U.S. it is still uncommon. Spread by mosquitos. Most prevalent in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. There is currently no approved vaccine for malaria in the United States. Prescribed oral Atovaquone / Proguanil (Malarone) for treatment of symptoms after infection. Primaquine, another Malaria prevention medication, was prescribed after doing some lab work.
- Leptospirosis – Parasite generally spread by swimming in water contaminated with animal urine. Prescribed doxycycline monohydrate (Avidoxy).
- Severe Diarrhea or “Traveler’s Diarrhea” – This one can happen to anyone, anywhere. Prescribed Azithromycin (Zithromax). Also purchased over the counter Imodium.
- Altitude Sickness – Prescribed acetazolamide (Diamox).
In summary, one of our moving abroad challenges involved immunizations. There were a lot of vaccines and medications to consider when moving abroad. You may want to consider visiting a travel clinic or seeking medical advice when you are getting ready to head out. Also, plan at least 6-8 weeks out so if you need multiple shots, they can be spread out. Get ready for some sore upper arms. No slug bugs people!
