What Vaccinations Will You Need for Volunteer Work Abroad

Nothing is as detrimental to an international trip as a sudden illness. It can be hugely disappointing, not to mention scary and dangerous, to be sidelined with sickness during your excursion. Some countries require that foreigners receive certain vaccinations before they can visit. As each locale has different sets of guidelines, be sure to contact the Center for Disease Control to get the specifics for your destination.

There are three basic categories of vaccinations:

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Routine Vaccinations: These are designed to immunize you from diseases that are prevalent in many foreign countries, but not as common in the United States. There are different routine vaccinations recommended for adults and children. *

Recommended Vaccinations: Although not required, these vaccinations are strongly recommended by the Center for Disease Control to prevent international travelers from contracting infectious diseases abroad. These can vary based on the location you're visiting, your age, your level of physical fitness, and the time of year. *

Required Vaccinations: Travelers visiting certain South American countries are required to receive vaccinations for Yellow Fever prior to their trip. You will have to present a certification of vaccination in order to cross the border.

Below, we've compiled a list of things you can do to help ensure that you stay healthy during your travels:

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Get a physical. Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner at least a few weeks prior to your trip. This will allow plenty of time for you to receive and process any necessary vaccinations. The doctor will also evaluate your overall health and will discuss any potential risks you might face during your travels. *

Know the dangers. Conduct thorough research of your destination to identify any known threats, including poisonous insects and possible contamination of food and water. *

Protect the little ones. If you're traveling with infants or children, keep in mind that they may require different immunizations and health considerations. Also, if you're a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, specific precautions may apply. Be sure to ask your doctor. *

Make sure you're covered. Contact your health insurance company to determine if your policy will protect you during your international travels. If not, you might need to purchase specialized travel health insurance.

It will be nearly impossible to make a difference during your volunteer excursion if you're bogged down with illness. By seeing your doctor, receiving any relevant vaccinations, and learning as much as you can about potential risks in your destination country, you'll be more likely to stay strong and healthy for the duration of your journey.

About the Author

Mark is the editor of various articles about volunteering abroad for http://www.travel2help.org whose main focus is to provide assistance for developing countries through the creation of volunteer opportunities abroad.