It’s not uncommon to find out that you’ve missed out on a scheduled vaccine for one reason or another. But in any case, most adults will occasionally need a booster shot to improve their immunity to diseases like covid-19, tetanus and shingles.
If that sounds like you, make an appointment with Global Travel Clinics to get the vaccine doses you are due.
Finding your vaccine record
It’s helpful to bring details of previous vaccines to your appointment if you can. This will help the adviser to work out which shots you need.
Your healthcare provider or state’s healthcare department may be able to provide you with your vaccine records. Employers or schools may also have records of vaccines you have had. But there is no central organization in the USA that keeps vaccine records.
If you cannot locate your vaccine records, don’t worry. It is safe to get repeat vaccines. There are also blood tests available to check which vaccine-preventable diseases you have immunity to.
The CDC has a form available that you can use to record your vaccines. You can also ask your vaccine provider if they are part of an immunization registry that will document your vaccines.
Adult vaccination
The CDC recommends the following vaccines for adults:
- covid-19
- flu
- Tdap (for tetanus, diphtheria and polio)
- whooping cough
If you think you might need catch-up shots for any of these, mention it at your travel health appointment with Global Travel Clinics.
Vaccinations for older people
Older people may find that their immune systems weaken with age, so they are more susceptible to infectious diseases like covid-19 and flu. Also, these diseases may make them more unwell and recovery can take longer in old age. The following vaccines may be recommended to people over the age of 60:
- covid-19
- flu
- pneumococcal vaccine
- shingles
- RSV
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and polio)
Vaccinations during pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect your immune system, which means your defenses against some illnesses are weaker than usual. Some infectious diseases, including rubella, can affect your unborn child and may cause birth defects. Infectious diseases are also linked to miscarriage and premature birth. By ensuring you’re fully immunized, you can protect your baby and yourself.
These are some of the vaccines that may be recommended during pregnancy.
- MMR
- Whooping cough
- Flu
- RSV
- Covid-19
Travel vaccinations
Traveling abroad makes it more likely that you’ll be exposed to diseases that you don’t see in the USA – for example, Japanese encephalitis. It is recommended that you get travel health advice six to eight weeks before you travel abroad. At your travel health appointment, the adviser will ask you some questions about your business trip or vacation. They will use this to work out what diseases you might be exposed to and give advice on reducing the chances that you will become ill during your trip abroad.
They can administer vaccines against some diseases that affect travelers, for example, yellow fever,hepatitis A and hepatitis B. They can also tell you what to do to avoid exposure to pathogens while traveling. One easy step you can take is to avoid getting bitten by bugs and mosquitoes while traveling.
Finding a place to get vaccinated
You can get vaccinated at pharmacies, your doctor’s office and community health clinics. Use Vaccines.gov to find a convenient place to get vaccinated.
Paying for vaccines
Some health insurers cover certain vaccines. It’s best to check with your provider to find out exactly what is covered. The CDC has more information about vaccines and health insurance.
Getting an appointment for vaccinations
Whether you want travel vaccines or catch-up shots, make an appointment at our San Diego travel clinic.
Book Online