Travel Immunization

Going somewhere? Let the VNA help plan your next trip abroad.

Call the Steamboat VNA Office at 970-879-1632 for a Travel Clinic appointment

• A review your travel itinerary and health history in detail
• An assessment of your risk for acquiring illnesses while abroad
• An individualized recommendation for travel-related vaccines and travel medicines
• Access to all U. S. licensed Travel Vaccines recommended or required for international travel

• Best to call ahead! Plan your first trip to the Travel Clinic 2 months before your departure date.  Several vaccines require a series of shots spread out over 4-6 weeks and take time to work.       
• We have enough Yellow Fever Vaccine for all who may need it, however we are scheduling most clients to attend group Yellow Fever Clinics to make the most efficient use of the multiple-dose vials. The lack of single doses of Yellow Fever Vaccine is effecting all Yellow Fever Centers in the United States, resulting in clinics grouping clients together for their vaccination or paying a charging a costly surcharge.
• Prior to departure, you may need an appointment to see you physician to obtain a physical exam, obtain prescription medications for (traveler's diarrhea, anitmalarials, etc) and obtain a statement from your physician to carry prescription medications across borders.
• For travel health consultation, advance appointments are needed. Allow 45 minutes for one person, add 15 minutes for each additional person.

• Travelers should refer to Chapter 5: Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country in CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008, the Yellow Book, for information about which countries require yellow fever vaccination for entry and for which countries CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination. In the absence of a country requirement, CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccination for travel to a country if the traveler's itinerary does not include travel to a yellow fever-endemic area.
• Japanese Encephalitis vaccine (JE-Vax) is currently out of production in the USA, and the previous manufacturer has rationed the supply until a new manufacturer can obtain FDA approval for distribution.  Meanwhile, we do have Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and can access additional doses, if needed.  If you think you will need JE-Vax series, you will need a minimum of 40 days to complete the series of 3. 
• Two Typhoid vaccines are available and both are effective.  Typhim Vu is given by injection and provides 2 years of immunity, licensed for age 2 years and up; Vivotif is a series of 4 capsules taken over 7 days and provides 5 years of immunity, licensed for age 6 years and up.
• Rabies vaccine is available for post-exposure use only (cases of known exposures to rabies).  This is in response to limited supplies of rabies vaccine in the U.S.  The limited vaccine is effecting all Travel Clinics across the country.
• A Polio booster vaccine is recommended for adults, when traveling to certain areas of the world. As of November 2006, these areas include Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. For current information on the status of polio eradication efforts and vaccine recommendations consult the Travel Notices at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ or the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (http://www.polioeradication.org/).
• Influenza (flu) is transmitted year-round in the tropics. It's Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Vaccine.  Flu vaccine supply is plentiful.

• Bring your vaccination records and list of current medications.
• The additional 10 minutes are needed to complete your registration forms prior to your scheduled appointment time.
• The time also allows for review of your personalized, destination-specific health recommendations.
• Be sure you have eaten breakfast or lunch. Receiving vaccination on an empty stomach is never a good idea!
• Allow plenty of time for your appointment. Reviewing travel health and health recommendations takes time!