Many people travel out of the country to remote, third world countries for either fun or for work. Although many diseases have been eradicated in the United States there are still several countries where these diseases thrive. Many may not know that in order to protect their health they should get certain immunizations before engaging in their travels. The Seminole County Health Department is one of the few places in Seminole County that offers those travel immunizations. 

 

The risk of becoming ill during international travel generally depends on the region of the world being visited, as well as planned activities. The CDC Web site http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx, has a comprehensive list of recommended vaccinations for the area where you may be traveling. It is always a good idea to research this Web site for vaccine requirements and recommendations as soon as you know you are traveling and prior to scheduling your appointment with the health department. Travelers are encouraged to get vaccinations 4 to 6 weeks before travel. It takes up to two weeks for most vaccines to be effective and some immunizations include a series of shots that can take months to complete. In addition to receiving consultation on the most current CDC recommendations and international requirements, as well as your immunizations, travel clients of Seminole County Health Department can also obtain information on measures to take to protect themselves from diseases for which there are no vaccines.

 

For a very reasonable cost, Seminole County Health Department offers the following travel immunizations:

 

·        Hep A Two-shot series vaccine.  The second HEPA is given six months after the first dose.

·        Hep B  Three-shot series vaccine.  The second is given 1 month after the first and the third five months later.

·        Twinrix (HepA/B Combination) Three-shot series vaccine at the same intervals as Hep B.

·        Accelerated Twinrix Three doses given within three weeks. Second dose seven days after the first and the third 21-30days later, followed by a booster dose at 12 months – clients must strictly adhere to this schedule for efficacy of vaccine protection.

·        Menactra (MCV)  Meningococcal vaccine for travelers aged 2-55 years visiting countries where they will be at risk for meningitis.

·        Menomune (MPSV)  Meningococcal vaccine for travelers over the age of 55 years visiting countries where they will be at risk for meningitis.

·        Polio (IPV)  If previously vaccinated, one dose for adults is recommended when visiting areas where polio is still occurring.

·        Typhoid  Injection or Oral Vaccine Prescription.  Lasts 2 years.

·        Yellow Fever  Lasts 10 years.

 

Seminole County Health Department can provide prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis and oral typhoid vaccine (available at the Sanford location only).  SCHD does not have pharmacy services for oral typhoid vaccine or malaria preventive medication. There is a small fee for the prescription service.

 

We also have vaccines for adults with certain high risk medical conditions, such as asplenia,  pre- and post- organ transplant status, or occupational risk. Those vaccines include Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal polysaccharide, meningococcal, hepatitis and tetanus vaccines. Other adult vaccines include influenza, human papillomavirus (for women) and herpes zoster for those aged 60 and older.

 

Travel immunizations are offered by appointment only. Please call our Sanford or Casselberry locations to set-up an appointment or for pricing. Other adult and all childhood immunizations are provided at both locations on a walk-in basis.