Stocked immunizations Include:

When travelling to certain foreign destinations, you may encounter diseases that you are unfamiliar with that can cause serious illness. Immunization can prevent or reduce the risk of getting some of these diseases.

Some examples:

Yellow Fever: A frequently fatal viral illness spread by mosquitoes. This vaccine may be required for entry into certain countries, and must be given at least 10 days prior to arrival.

Hepatitis A: A viral illness of the liver, generally spread by contaminated food and water. It is common in developing countries. It is rarely fatal but can cause lengthy illness.

Hepatitis B: A sometimes fatal viral illness of the liver, mostly spread by sexual contact and the use of improperly sterilized / unsterilized needles, or intravenous equipment.

Typhoid Fever: A bacterial illness (salmonella typhi); generally spread by food and water, sometimes by food handlers.

Meningitis: A very contagious, frequently fatal, bacterial illness usually spread from person to person.

Travellers diarrhea / dysentery: Diarrhea caused by various different parasites or virus or bacteria. Spread mostly by contaminated food and water. At present the vaccine available only protects against certain bacteria for a short period of time.

Malaria: A parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. Generally found in warmer climates but occurrence in any one country can vary widely according to such factors as climate conditions (wet/dry; temperature, etc.) altitude, urban/rural settings. Prophylactic medication (pills) generally prevent the illness.

Immunization does not necessarily take months to achieve. Substantial benefit can be derived in as little as 10 days and vaccines/medicines given even in the days before departure can be of value.