Many seniors love the fact that they finally have the time to travel. However, planning that “trip of a lifetime” means more than finding the best deal on airline tickets and hiring a pet sitter. If you’re planning on going overseas, especially to developing countries and rural areas that have higher health risks, it’s important to safeguard yourself from any diseases you might encounter.

Reliant Medical Group’s Division of Infectious Diseases has its own Travel and Immunization Service that can analyze the health risks of the area you are visiting and make sure you are protected. By taking the proper precautions, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you can avoid problems and enjoy your trip in good health.

How to prepare for your appointment

There are some key things your medical provider will need to know before they can give advice for your trip – and decide whether you need any vaccinations. So please bring the following:

• Your country-by-country itinerary, and the locations within these countries where you will stay
• Your medical history and current health status
• Any medications you are currently taking
• Activities you will be engaging in during your visit
• Your travel history in the past
• A list of your previous vaccinations, including dosage
• Any allergies or reactions to previous vaccinations

Keep in mind that it’s important to see a medical provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip so that any vaccines you are given have time to take effect and that you have plenty of time to receive vaccines that require more than one dose. Some countries will require you have to have documented vaccinations for certain diseases before entering. That’s why all your immunization records should be recorded in an International Certificate of Vaccination which you should keep with your passport at all times.

While traveling overseas can be the adventure of a lifetime, it’s always best to play it safe and make sure you return from your trip just as healthy as when you departed. The Reliant Medical Group Travel and Immunization Service can be reached at (508) 368-3122.