Before you plan to travel internationally, the CDC advises that you first ensure you’re up to date on all routine immunizations—like MMR, Tdap, and influenza—and then work with a healthcare provider or travel‐medicine specialist at least 4–6 weeks before departure to identify any destination-specific shots you may need1. Depending on where you’re headed, these can include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis, cholera, rabies, and polio; malaria prophylaxis is also recommended for regions where the disease is endemic12. Getting the right vaccines and medications ahead of time not only protects you from rare or serious illnesses abroad but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases when you return home.
If you are planning to travel outside the United States, please contact the Macoupin County Public Health Department for current information on immunizations recommended prior to departure. Many immunizations are available through the Health Department. Call Maple Street Clinic at (217) 839-1526 or Morgan Street Clinic at (217) 854-3692 for more information.