In an attempt to be prepared for quick travel dates I thought I should make sure James and I don't need to update any immunizations and or have additional immunizations for travel abroad. (That sounds so rich doesn't it? Travel abroad? Like we're some world travelers or something?) Anyway, I started by calling the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and after hitting a few buttons actually talked to a live person who I could tell was reading from a script. She informed me to talk with a "travel" doctor and gave me the CDC's website. Not very helpful. I wasn't asking her if my immunizations were up to date, only if there were additional immunizations I should have in order to travel to the Ukraine.
So, I went to the CDC website and clicked on the Ukraine. Hum...not very direct information there either.
"Before visiting Ukraine, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)"
But then, there is not a list, it goes on to say that you should see a "travel" doctor, gives me a link to find a "travel medicine clinic" which when I click on Utah, only directs me to the the Utah Department of Health-where NOTHING is said about Travel or a Travel Medicine Clinic.
So, I called my doctor. She's from "abroad" anyway. (I think Lithuania-which is not too far from Ukraine-in fact she speaks Russian so she's where I'll take Alex when we get him home.) Now I'm waiting for her to review mine and James charts and get back to me. (I asked her to review James chart as his doctor takes FOREVER! Luckily we're at the same doctors office!)
Anyone else know more?
I'll update this post later when I hear what my doc has to say.
Update!
My doc called back and said we could get an "optional" Hep A shot but she travels all the time to Lithuania and has never had one. I think we'll opt out as well.
So, I went to the CDC website and clicked on the Ukraine. Hum...not very direct information there either.
"Before visiting Ukraine, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)"
But then, there is not a list, it goes on to say that you should see a "travel" doctor, gives me a link to find a "travel medicine clinic" which when I click on Utah, only directs me to the the Utah Department of Health-where NOTHING is said about Travel or a Travel Medicine Clinic.
So, I called my doctor. She's from "abroad" anyway. (I think Lithuania-which is not too far from Ukraine-in fact she speaks Russian so she's where I'll take Alex when we get him home.) Now I'm waiting for her to review mine and James charts and get back to me. (I asked her to review James chart as his doctor takes FOREVER! Luckily we're at the same doctors office!)
Anyone else know more?
I'll update this post later when I hear what my doc has to say.
Update!
My doc called back and said we could get an "optional" Hep A shot but she travels all the time to Lithuania and has never had one. I think we'll opt out as well.
2 of my blog friends said something...:
You don't need any new immunizations. We were fine when we traveled you are only there for a short time.
Wendy-
Community Nursing Services has a travel clinic and they can give you advise on what immunizations you should have or are required to have. They tend to be less money then the Health department travel clinic too. I used to work for them in this department and think it's very helpful. Also, this is were Amy went for her trip to Guatemala. Let me know if you need more information or I can help.
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