Asia 2021-04-23T18:30:12-04:00

Traveling to ASIA?

Preventable disease “highlights”:

Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases found in Asia (see below) are also found elsewhere in the world. However, Japanese Encephalitis exists primarily in Asia. It is a rare but deadly illness carried by mosquitoes. Although the disease Yellow Fever is not usually present in Asia, the vaccine is sometimes required for entrance into Asian countries if you are traveling from a country where the disease Yellow Fever is present. For example, if you are traveling from Kenya to India, India customs will require you to have had the Yellow Fever vaccination ten days earlier before allowing you to enter the country.

Specific Vaccinations available in the US for trips to Asia:

Cholera:

(from contaminated food or water) The vaccine is recommended for specific regions of a few Asian countries. Generally, it is recommended if you are visiting areas with sanitation issues, spending an extended time camping/hiking, working in healthcare-related situations, or traveling to an area with an outbreak.

Hepatitis A:

(from contaminated food or water) The vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Asia.

Hepatitis B:

(from contaminated bodily fluids or medical instruments) The vaccine is recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids while working in healthcare-related environments or through unprotected intimate contact. The vaccine will also provide protection if you are injured and undergo treatment in a medical facility in Asia.

Japanese Encephalitis:

(from infected mosquitoes) The vaccine is recommended for travelers spending more than a month in specific countries, primarily in SE Asia. Also recommended if a traveler is visiting rural or agricultural areas for shorter periods of time.

Polio:

(from contaminated food or water or contact with an infected individual) The WHO maintains a list of countries where Polio booster is recommended. Often, these countries require an adult Polio booster if you are staying there for 4 weeks or more. WHO Polio Recommendations.

Rabies:

(from bites, scratches, or saliva exposure involving infected animals) The vaccine is recommended if you work with animals or are spending significant amounts of time outdoors where you may be exposed to animals. This time can include not only hiking, camping, caving, etc., but traveling through or visiting cities/town/villages with high numbers of unvaccinated animals. Children are at even higher risk for rabies than adults.

Tickborne Encephalitis:

(from infected tics) The vaccine is recommended for travelers to specific countries who plan on spending significant time outdoors in wooded areas or who consume unpasteurized dairy products. The vaccine is NOT available in the US but can be located in Europe and Asia upon arrival from the US.

Typhoid:

(from contaminated food or water) The vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Asia.

Yellow Fever:

(from infected mosquitos) There is little to no risk of Yellow Fever in Asia. However, the vaccination may be REQUIRED for entrance into countries in Asia if you are traveling from a country with Yellow Fever disease (Brazil, Kenya, etc.).

Malaria medication, traveler’s diarrhea treatment, altitude medication, and other prescriptions may also be indicated, depending upon your itinerary.

Country-specific vaccine recommendations for Asia can be found on the CDC Website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We provide these vaccines during your appointment at our Travel Vaccination Clinic.

Always make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations (Adult Routine Vaccinations). Your vaccination history should be reviewed and updated by anyone you see for travel shots.

Insect avoidance, food and water precautions, avoiding direct contact with animals, and other safety measures can help protect against diseases where no vaccine or medication exists. Many of these diseases are present in Asia, including Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Avian Flu (often from contaminated chickens and other poultry).

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