Two to Three Months Ahead (or as Soon as You Know Your International Destination)

As soon as you make your travel plans, find out whether the countries you'll be visiting require proof of immunizations against any diseases, and how far in advance you need to have them. Start researching any health risks in that area of the world. Educate yourself about the prevalence of foodborne, water-borne or insect-borne illnesses and consider whether you'll need to get vaccinated or take other preventive measures. The following resources should help.

External Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Destinations Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Traveler's Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Graphical travel map Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reference materials Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Summary of Health Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: green sheet Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. State Department The World Health Organization's travel medicine

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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