It is estimated that over 1 million people travel internationally each and every day, but unlike in North America, most of the destinations that individuals travel to often do not have the same standards for health. Many preventable diseases often still run unchecked in various parts of the globe despite the fact that these diseases have often been virtually eliminated here in North America.
When you are traveling, a small medical problem can become a big medical disaster. This is especially true in foreign countries where you don’t necessarily know anyone or speak the local language. For this reason you don’t want to take chances when you travel. Additionally, some countries will require you to be properly vaccinated against certain diseases; if you do not have the vaccinations that are required, you may be refused entry or be required to undergo the necessary vaccination(s) at the border.
Vaccinations are a method of protecting us from different infections by exposing ourselves to safe, small and inactive doses of the microbes causing a disease. This minor exposure strengthens our body’s immune system against the infection if we encounter the actual disease in the future. Vaccination is a safe and effective technique and is especially important when traveling.