Immunizations and Antibiotics for Overseas TravelMedical Author:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD
Medical Editor:
N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Michael E Zevitz, MD
General InformationMost immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunizations may be denied entry into or exit from a country. In addition, quarantine periods of 1 week or more may be enforced (for cholera, plague, yellow fever). No vaccinations are required to enter the United States. Standard vaccinations in the United States include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type B, and pneumococcus. Additional vaccinations for travel include hepatitis A, Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcus, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever. All vaccination series can be started on the same day. The lead time for immunization depends on the types of vaccinations needed. Some vaccination courses can take up to 6 months (such as hepatitis B) to receive all of the required shots. In addition, live-attenuated (weakened) viral vaccines must be spaced a month apart and can affect skin testing for tuberculosis. Moderate-to-severe illnesses can delay immunizations, but people with mild illnesses can still be vaccinated. Visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site for specific immunization requirements for your travel plans. |
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Immunizations and Antibiotics for Overseas Travel
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips »
Safe Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips
Protect the Environment
- Do not touch wildlife. Avoiding wildlife is safer for you and better for the wildlife. Some marine animals have a protective coating that is rubbed off when touched, exposing them to parasites and infection. Touching or "playing" with them also stresses the animal.
- Coral are marine animals. Take care when snorkeling or scuba diving and avoid touching, grabbing, or accidentally grazing the coral with your fins. The portion of the coral that is touched will die.
- Do not take marine animals out of the ocean for any reason. This also stresses the animal.
- When taking pictures underwater, do not touch the animals. Do not lean or hold onto coral or other underwater structures while trying to "get a good picture." Remember, touching coral in any way damages it, and the portion damaged will die.
- Secure "dangling gea...
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An estimated more than 800 million travelers worldwide cross international boundaries each year.
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