Travel Immunizations

Lisa67 · 01-27-2003, 02:14 PM

We are in the midst of finishing up our medical preparations for travel to China, hopefully by the end of this year.

I was wondering if anyone who has travelled abroad to adopt could tell me what Immunizations you needed to receive before going.

I think I have my list straight, but I am finding contradicting info. Also, if you have travelled with an older sibling, what shots (if any extra) did they need to go?

THANKS!!!
Lis

lemondog · 01-27-2003, 04:55 PM

Well, we did not travel to China, but Russia. We got the Hep B series (esp. important if you are adopting from China) and definitely get the Hep A, which is foodborne.

We wanted to get tetanus, but there was shortage at the time, so we couldn't. Some docs also say to get diptheria and polio, but we chose not to.

I think Hep A and Hep B are the most important, the rest are optional. Also, be sure to get a prescription for Cipro to take with you in case of traveler's diarrhea (or, as they call it in Russia, Stalin's Revenge

)

Lisa67 · 01-27-2003, 05:53 PM

Thanks lemondog! We are currently getting the Hep shots and may be getting Typhoid & Yellow Fever depending on what Province we go to.

As for the traveller's diahrea...I can hardly wait...that's one of my biggest fears!! Beware the water & chicken is what everyone is telling me! Thankfully we are put up in some nice hotels, but we will still be very cautious. And when we travel to the orphanage/foster home, Great Wall, etc...we will need to be extra careful!

Thanks for the advice!

janie_t. · 01-28-2003, 09:44 PM

Lisa, did you check out the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) website on travel to East Asia? They have info on travelers' health at:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eastasia.htm

HTH, and good luck with adopting your forever daughter!

Lisa67 · 01-29-2003, 11:05 AM

Thanks, janie. Yes, I visit the CDC website often in preparation for our travel "someday!" I just wanted to hear from other cysters what shots they are receiving.

Thanks for your help!

PS -- How's your research going???

janie_t. · 01-29-2003, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lisa67
PS -- How's your research going???

The other day, we got a packet of info and a video from CCAI & are waiting on Holt's info packet.

I swear, just looking at the info required on CCAI's agency application makes me tired, and I know that's just the tip of the iceberg! I think I'm just worn out from the IF roller coaster. Also grieving the high probability that we won't have a bio child, I think. May need to take a break before plunging into adoption, ya know? Anyway, good luck with your preparations! There are a million things to think about and do.

Lisa67 · 01-29-2003, 03:54 PM

All the paperwork does seem quite overwhelming, but it's not as bad as it looks. Same with the homestudy---it's really easy to get through!

Best of luck....and please let me know if you have any questions!

PS---I know exactly where you are coming from with the adopting after IF. It's a huge decision and a little scary giving up the dream for a bio (or 2nd bio for me) child. I just know for me it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders when I stopped my treatments. I hope whatever you choose to do, you are at peace with your decision!

websissy · 02-04-2003, 11:09 AM

I was in China for business last November. My RE wanted me to get Hep A and Flu shot. Hep A is a series of 3 shots I think (I didn't get them cause I was pregnant the month before I left). Hep B is a 6 month's series of shots I've read.

I stayed away from anything that wasn't cooked while in China and don't drink water from the tap. I ate and drank everything else. Didn't get sick and had a good time.

Good Luck!

Lisa67 · 02-04-2003, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the advice websissy!

I can hardly wait!!