Release Date: May 20, 2010
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Traveling Abroad this Summer? Get Vaccinations and a Passport
Metro Health reminds residents of safety precautions and DHS rules
San Antonio’s public health team advises residents who are planning to travel abroad this summer to make arrangements now for vaccinations and passports. All travelers, both children and adults, should ensure their vaccinations are up to date to limit their risk of illness.
“Some vaccinations are mandatory for entry into certain countries and then there are those such as typhoid and hepatitis A and B that just make good sense for foreign travel,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of health. “We also must not forget the vaccination for novel H1N1 and seasonal influenza. In some areas of the globe, cases of H1N1 influenza continue to occur. Remember, this summer, the Southern Hemisphere will be in its winter months and, thus, flu season.”
Malaria, dengue fever, rabies, measles and other serious diseases that can be fatal are concerns in both industrialized and third world nations. For those diseases that are vaccine preventable, immunizations are highly encouraged at least four weeks before travel. A series of immunizations may be necessary, which could require more time. Additionally, medications can be helpful to reduce the likelihood of infections as with malaria. Other tips travelers should keep in mind when abroad include:
Pack adequate supplies of prescription medicines in their original containers - be sure to have a doctor’s note for any prescriptions that may be illegal in other countries.
Pack appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen, and insect repellant (particularly if visiting warmer or tropical climates).
Exercise caution when consuming certain foods, particularly uncooked meat and seafood or raw fruits, vegetables, or salads.
Be judicious about beverage choices as well as those that contain ice. Safer options usually include hot or carbonated drinks.
Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water or use alcohol-based hand gels when water is not available.
Understand and obey the rules of the road and use seat belts.
Avoid unknown pets or animals.
Travelers also are advised to get a passport before leaving the country. The latest Department of Homeland Security rules require a:
Passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the U.S. when traveling by air.
Passport book/card or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the U.S. when traveling by land and sea. Children under age 16 years need only a U.S. birth certificate or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.
Birth certificates are required when applying for a passport or a passport card*. To purchase a birth certificate, visit Metro Health’s Office of Vital Statistics at 719 S. Santa Rosa. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the fee is $23 per copy. Metro Health also offers birth certificates via the following options:
online at www.vitalchek.com
by mail - send a request to:
719 S. Santa Rosa
San Antonio, TX 78204
For vaccinations, visit one of Metro Health’s Foreign Travel clinics, which also provide international travel certificates, TB skin testing, and free novel H1N1 vaccinations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 207-8872 or 207-8735.
*NOTE: Metro Health does not provide passport services.
