Before you travel, you should be aware of any needed immunizations or medicines, disease outbreaks, food and water precautions and any other preventive measures to take. Make sure all of your routine immunizations are up-to-date for you and your children. These immunizations can protect you from diseases such as polio, diphtheria, measles, whooping cough and rubella that have been virtually wiped out in developed nations but are still prevalent in some developing countries. If you will be traveling to a country where these infections are still common, check your immunity status. Some adults have not received all of these vaccines (especially measles, mumps, and rubella) and may be susceptible unless they have had the disease. Your tetanus immunization should be updated before traveling if you haven't received one in the last ten years.
International travel is an exciting and potentially dangerous endeavor. Travelers will encounter different public health standards and environmental conditions while away from home, and these can lead to illness. If you are going abroad, Providence Traveler's Services can help you plan a safe and healthy trip.