Looking forward to an exotic getaway this summer? You may encounter a bump in the road before you leave home.
Consider this as you plan your trip: Most clinics offering travel appointments with vaccinations recommend scheduling your appointment at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your departure date.
Your body needs time to build immunity, and some vaccines are provided in a series that can take months to complete.
Second, most health insurances do not cover travel vaccinations, and some clinics will not bill insurance companies for travel vaccinations, so be prepared to pay at your visit. Travel vaccinations can be costly.
Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guide for Traveler’s Health for specific information on which vaccines are needed for travel to your destination.
Additionally, the State of Iowa outlines important guidelines for safe international travel.
Finally, check your current vaccination records to determine if you have had the Hepatitis A and/or Hepatitis B vaccinations because those are given routinely during adolescence and may save you from having to repeat them.
If you don’t have your childhood vaccination records, contact the Dallas County Public Health Department at 515-993-3750 for assistance in accessing IRIS – Iowa’s immunization registry.
