Physicians at Pella Regional Health Center’s family of medical clinics recommend checking immunization ahead of scheduled international travel for mission trips. Many of the needed immunizations require multiple shots over a period of time, according to Amanda Yarkosky with Pella Regional.

“The first step once you know you will be traveling abroad is to schedule a travel physical with your provider,” said Amanda Yarkosky, RN, BSN, at Pella Regional. “It is really important to get the proper immunizations that are specific to your travel destination while at your appointment. Your doctor will also make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations and also check your health in general to make sure you are healthy before going abroad.”

Mission volunteers or international travelers may be exposed to more health risks than the average person. Many times, volunteers travel to more remote areas of underdeveloped countries. The sanitation, food preparation and health care can be substandard to what is familiar.

“Even access to clean water is something you need to think about while traveling to a location that is underdeveloped,” said Yarkosky. “There are immunizations that will keep you from becoming ill due to sanitary conditions that you would not be used to at home.”

Yarkosky says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site is a great place to find out where problems are with disease, outbreaks, warnings and knowledge of immunizations. Hear more on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.