What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a rare but severe disease that causes muscle contractions which can lead to breathing problems and even death. It can occur if contaminated soil enters cuts or wounds, such as a burn.
What is Diphtheria?
In the developing world, diphtheria is sometimes spread via unpasteurized milk. Polio is a disease which occurs in the developing world outside North and South America, and may result in partial or total paralysis.
What is Polio?
Polio is a disease which occurs in the developing world outside North and South America, and may result in partial or total paralysis. Polio is transmitted primarily through food or water contaminated with feces.
Preparations for Travel to Risk Areas & Recommended Immunizations:
All Americans should receive their first (primary) immunization series against tetanus, diphtheria and polio during childhood. If you’re traveling with infants and children, you should discuss their immunization needs with your pediatrician or our doctors, especially if traveling for extended periods of time, which might interrupt your child’s normal immunization schedule.
All Americans should receive a booster against tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years, whether traveling abroad or not. If you have not received the complete primary series, consult your health care professional about completing it.
Americans traveling to areas of the world where polio is still prevalent should have received their primary immunization series of polio vaccine and a booster within the last 10 years. If you have not received the primary series, then you should receive at least two doses of polio vaccine 4 weeks apart prior to departure, if time allows. If time does not allow contact our office for the best regimen for your circumstance.
Healthy World Traveler 