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While very little about planning an around the world trip can be taken lightly or otherwise approached in a haphazard fashion, getting started early and careful planning is especially critical with respect to immunizations.  

Understand, of course, that we are not doctors and what follows is not medical advice.  Rather, we are merely sharing our own experience with these issues.  As with all other matters medical in nature, always consult an appropriate medical professional.  

We began reading and researching early, consulting multiple sources and trying to become as educated as possible.  For instance, not only are travel medicine books excellent sources, but virtually every country or regional guidebook includes a section regarding health and immunizations.  Read all of these sections carefully noting, of course, that the information varies by destination and often by time of year during which you will be traveling.  Learn about the various vaccinations, why they may be appropriate, and understand the potential side-effects.  Further, if you have any allergies, or other medical conditions, make sure that these are conveyed to medical professionals who will be advising you, as the preferred course of treatment may vary on the basis of such information.   

It is also important to consult with your family practitioner, together with any specialists whose care you are under.  While it is, obviously, important to get the input of such doctors, understand that they probably are not specialists with respect to the nuances of travel related medicine and preparation, and for that reason typically should not wholly replace a trip to a travel clinic.  Understand that while travel clinics will provide guidelines and suggestions about what vaccinations are appropriate, it’s your health!  Learn as much as you can so that your ability to make informed decisions, upon the counsel of your medical professionals, is optimized.  

It is not possible to make educated decisions about particular vaccines in the absence of a rough country and date itinerary, so putting together a rough outline of our proposed itinerary was also critical.  Where you’ll be going, and what time of year you’ll be there, inform the decisions about what vaccinations are important.  Needless to say, if you plan a trip to Europe, and consult a travel clinic and receive immunizations on the basis of such an itinerary, but at the last minute decide to add some time in Eastern Africa, your immunizations will, in all likelihood, be grossly insufficient.  

Further, not only are some vaccinations advised, but some (notably Yellow Fever and Cholera) may be necessary for entry into certain countries.  For this reason, make sure that all the vaccinations you receive are recorded in an International Certificate of Vaccination, otherwise known as the “Yellow Card.”  These may be obtained at travel clinics, and should be carried with you at all times during your travels.  

Allowing yourself sufficient time to complete all appropriate vaccinations/immunizations is also critical, and we consulted Peachtree Travel Clinic four months in advance of our departure.  Be aware that certain vaccinations require a series of shots given over certain intervals, and that completing a particular series for maximum effectiveness may take up to six months.  For instance, the “ideal” timetable for the Hepatitis B vaccine consists of three doses, given at 0, 2 and 6 months (although an accelerated, “short-notice”, schedule is also available if necessary).  In our case, we will receive our final Hepatitis B vaccination in November following our brief return to the United States from South America, but before heading to Central America.  

Finally, not only may the shots hurt, but so may the cost.  If you’re insured, your insurance may cover the costs.  Then again, they may not.  In either event, don’t let issues of cost compromise appropriate decisions about preventive measures your should take in advance of your trip.  Skimp elsewhere.  

With that simplistic background, here is a summary of the vaccinations we received: