Chickenpox

Chicken pox is caused by varicella-zoster virus. This can spread by touching or breathing viral particles, even from people who have shingles. Patients show symptoms of itchy, fluid-filled blisters, rash, fever, etc. The vaccine provides the best protection and can be approved for children 12-15 months of age and 4-6 year olds. Any individual more than 13 years who has never had chickenpox should get 2 doses, 28 days apart.

Cholera (Dukoral)

Cholera is an intestinal infection contracted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces. Bacterium Vibrio cholera spreads due to poor sanitation facilities, it can be limited by the vaccine and precautions while consuming food and water. Characterized by watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, it can be fatal if not treated. The vaccine is taken in 2 doses, the 1st 6 weeks prior to departure and the 2nd 1 week prior, a single booster is recommended every 3 months for extended stays in places at-risk.

Recommended for: Sub-Saharan Africa, South east asia, Haiti, Cuba especially during seasons of heavy rainfall.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease spread through contaminated food/water, sexual contact, sometimes even caring for an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pains, nausea, and jaundice. Vaccination is the best protection available and can be given in 2 doses 6 months apart. Children are usually vaccinated at 1 year old. Recommended for everyone over 1 year of age, especially those who live in or travel to countries with this disease, work with patients suffering, use street drugs, or are homosexual(identifying as male).

Common destinations where Hepatitis A is present and the vaccine is recommended: Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Thailand

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection which can lead to chronic conditions. Infection spreads through bodily fluids like blood/semen through sexual contact, contaminated needles, or direct contact with blood or open wounds. The vaccine provides life-long protection if boosters are completed. Hepatitis B is found across the world, the vaccine is recommended to anyone especially men having sex with men, people sharing needles, if you are living with someone who has chronic Hepatitis B, hemodialysis patients, etc.

Vivaxim – Hepatitis A and Typhoid Combo

Receiving a typhoid and hepatitis vaccine often requires at least three injections and can cost hundreds of dollars. But, ViVAXIM provides a more comfortable and cost-effective alternative to traditional typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations. One dose of ViVAXIM, given two weeks before travel, will protect against hepatitis A for one year and typhoid for two years. With a booster, Vivaxim’s hepatitis A protection can be extended for a lifetime.

Influenza (Quadrivalent Flu Vaccination)

This vaccine provides immunity against the flu which is a viral infection affecting people seasonally. Everyone over 6 months of age should get the flu shot every year.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout Asia. Travellers who are staying in regions with JE for an extended period of time should be vaccinated against the illness. It spreads through mosquito bites, most likely time for spread is summer and fall. The vaccine is given in 2 doses 28 days apart. Recommended for travellers to endemic areas with active transmission, staying for extended periods of time in those locations or engaging in high-risk activities, and military/government personnel.

Found in: East Asia (Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam), regions of Western Pacific with temperate climate.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

All three viruses spread through sneezing or coughing. Measles causes fever, runny nose, sore throat, and a rash all over the body. Mumps is known for puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, it can cause serious complications in adults. Rubella also causes a rash, has generally mild symptoms, and causes birth defects in the child if contracted by the pregnant female in the first trimester. Because of their rapid spread and possible complications, MMR vaccination is highly recommended. All healthy people should receive this vaccine, especially students, travellers to regions of active infection, healthcare professionals, caretakers of people who are immunocompromised, or people with HIV. 2 doses of the vaccine are required. High risk groups may require a booster dose too.

Meningitis

It is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The spread is by air droplets, kissing, or nasal secretions. They are most often spread within communities that live or work together. Dorm living, close contact and shared facilities are some common risk areas. The vaccine provides protection against the bacterial and viral cause of this infection, which are the most common. There are 2 types of vaccines available, “B” vaccine is for 16-23 years age and as routine vaccination for over 10 year olds (with an outbreak, removed spleen, certain immune conditions), “A”,”C”,”W”, and “Y” is recommended for preteens. Both forms are recommended for those above 11 years of age. Especially for travellers to the endemic regions, those working in confined conditions, healthcare workers, and students.

High risk areas: Meningitis belt in Africa (Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea), Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo), Saudi Arabia during Hajj season.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect people of all ages. It is often treated with medication, but can be prevented with vaccination. Smoking increases the likelihood of getting the infection.  The vaccine gives protection against bacterial pneumonia. The vaccine is recommended for all over 65 years of age, adults with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised patients, people with cochlear implants, and those who smoke.

Polio

Poliomyelitis is a life altering, potentially deadly disease, as the virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Polio spreads by person-to-person contact by contaminated food/water or sneezing and coughs. The virus spreads easily in places with poor sanitary conditions. Travellers should take extra precautions in regions with polio. Make sure you have been vaccinated and wash your hands or use sanitizers regularly. Individuals are best protected by the vaccine. The vaccine has 2 variants, oral and injectable. The recommendation is for all children to receive the polio vaccine, one dose at: two months, four months, six to 18 months and four to six-years-old. An accelerated schedule is available as well. A booster is considered for travellers to areas where polio is present, health workers handling specimens of the virus or coming in contact with patients.

Polio is present in: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful localized rash often with blisters. It is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus causing chickenpox. Any person who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. The virus is most common in people 50 years and older. The vaccine is recommended for those over the age of 50 years.

Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis

Tetanus enters through cuts/wounds with contaminated objects and can cause severe symptoms. Occurrence of this disease has significantly reduced due to vaccines. Diphtheria Is a bacterial disease spreading by coughing/sneezing through droplets. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Spread from persons in close contact. This is most dangerous for infants. DTaP is designed for children protecting against all 3, Tdap is a booster for preteens, teens, and adults, td is only for tetanus and diphtheria and used as a booster. Everyone should receive these vaccinations. Recommended for children at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 1-6 years, boosters for preteens and teens, and adults should take a booster Td every 10 years. These infections occur all over the world, including developed countries.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by ingesting food and water that is contaminated with Salmonella typhi. There is an increase in spread in conditions of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and trade and population movements. Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, and headaches. Antibiotics are used for treatment of typhoid, but in some areas, drug resistance has become an issue. The best method to prevent contraction of typhoid is through vaccination, personal hygiene, better hand washing techniques, and precautionary measures taken when preparing food and drinking water. Vaccination can be oral (capsule pills taken over 4 doses) or injectable recommended to be taken one month before you travel. The oral vaccine lasts for 7 years and the injectible requires a booster every 3 years.

High Risk areas: South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka), Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle east, South America.

Yellow Fever

It is a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can present with fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, jaundice, bleeding, organ failure. There is no treatment available, only vaccination and supportive care. You may be detained if you try to enter a country requiring an International Certificate of Vaccination without one. The vaccine and this certificate can only be given by designated Yellow Fever vaccination Centres. The vaccine is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children less than nine months old, adults over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems. The vaccine has to be taken at least 10 days before your trip, so plan accordingly.

Countries with Yellow Fever Transmission Risk:

• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Rep. of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Central and South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

Countries That Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination For All Arriving Travelers: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Togo

Rabies

Rabies is a virus spread by infected animal saliva entering the bloodstream. In developed countries, the cause is mostly wild animals, but in some developing countries, it can also be stray or domestic animals. The disease is fatal once infected. If bitten by any animal, you require strict and immediate medical attention. High risk animals include racoons, skunks, foxes, stray or feral dogs and coyotes. Several species of bats around the globe can also spread this virus. Pre-exposure vaccines are required at least 28 days before your trip, and 2 boosters within 28 days of the 1st dose. Post-exposure vaccines are to be taken after being bitten and potential contamination (1st dose ASAP, and boosters at 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after).

High Risk areas: Central America (Mexico, Nicaragua), South Asia (India, Indonesia), South America (Peru, Brazil, Ecuador), Africa (safari travelers), East Europe (Russia, Baltics)

Malaria Prophylaxis

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites. It can also spread through blood transfusions, transplant, needle sharing, from mother to fetus before or during delivery. Symptoms share similarities with those of the flu, but the disease may have severe effects and can lead to death if untreated. Antimalarials can be used for prophylaxis to prevent the infection in your body, but pills must be taken on a regular basis. Drug resistance and different strains of means that you will require consultation with a travel specialist and prescription for them. Make sure to do so at least 4-6 weeks before intended travel. Other than medication, precautions should be maintained by sleeping in air conditioned rooms, use of screens on windows, sleeping with bed nets, and use of protective clothing and insect repellents.

High risk areas: warmer areas near the equator, Central America (Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama), South America (Peru, Brazil, Ecuador), Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya), West Asia (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey), East Asia (India, Thailand, China)