(Page last updated 09/16/2002)

It is important to consult with your family physician or your local public health department regarding which vaccinations you should take before traveling to another part of the world. While contracting any of these diseases during a short trip is a rare occurrence, it is certainly wiser to be cautious and think preventatively. While most governments do not require vaccinations (a few ask visitors to have certificate that they have had a Yellow Fever vaccination), on general principles travelers should consult with their physician and their Public Health Department regarding whether or not they should secure one or more of the readily-available vaccinations such as: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningitis, Cholera or Tetanus.

Several Internet sites also provide this type of counsel. One of these is:  www.tripprep.com  In the health section of this website you will find recommendations regarding recommended inoculations.

Malaria is endemic In many countries with warm climates (including the summer of '02, the east coast of the United States). If this is the case in the country you will be visiting, please see your physician for a prescription of one of the two medications you may take to prevent, or dramatically reduce the likelihood of getting the disease.  One of these medications is Larium and the other is Malarone. Of course, common sense dictates you should bring a mosquito repellent and use it in areas where malaria is common.