Immunizations 2008

IMMUNIZATIONS**

Get a yellow health card for recording immunizations

1. Hepatitis A: A series of 2 shots (at least 1 month before departure) - recommended for all travelers

2. Hepatitis B: A series of 3 shots 1st, 2nd 1 month later, 3rd 6 months later (at least 1 month before departure) - recommended for those staying 3 months or longer; frequent short stays; possibility of acupuncture, dental work, or tattooing; all health care workers.

3. Yellow Fever: At least 2 weeks prior to departure.*

4. Meningococcal (meningitis)

5. Polio: One adult booster is recommended, in addition to an adequate primary series.

6. Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

7. Rabies: Recommended for those staying over 1 month, for shorter stays at locations more than 24 hours travel from reliable sources of post-exposure rabies vaccine. All dog bites or scratches while in this country should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought even in those already immunized.

8. Tetanus/Diptheria: Be sure you are up to date, within at least the past 10 years.

9. Influenza (if available): Transmitted year round in the tropics, strongly recommended for all those over age 65 or with any chronic or immunosuppressive conditions.

10. MMR (measles, mumps and rubella): Recommended for those born in 1957 or later without a history of disease or of 2 adequate doses of live vaccine at any time during their life.

11. Pneumococcal (pneumonia): Recommended for those age 65 or over and those with chronic disease or compromising conditions.

12. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Recommended for all travelers with no history of the disease.

13. Cholera: If available, limited benefits.

14. Larium (Malaria): Take one weekly from two weeks before arriving in Malawi until four weeks after returning. Malerone or Doxycycline can also be used.

15. Fansadar: In the event of contracting Malaria. Readily available (and cheaper) in Malawi.