Travelling Overseas

I would definitely talk to the Pediatrician about which shots they would prefer. Different regions of the world requre different care. I would also make sure that they are up to date with Hep A, Measles, and Polio.

I went to southern India about ten years ago and I had to have all kinds of shots to be able to get the visa to go. I know I had to get typhoid and I had to get malaria pills and I believe diphtheria was required as well. At that time you could not go without a visa and they made me show my shot card to get it. But after being in India, YES!, definitely get malaria pills and any shots for diseases we don't have here. Now I don't know how old you have to be to take the malaria pills so I guess you will have to look into that for the kiddos. I have friends who lived in Africa for years and took malaria pills the whole time and did just fine and I have a friend who went down to South America and got terribly sick with Malaria, it took him a while to get better. So I guess my advice is to check into what the visa requirements are and see about malaria medication. Take care!

I would contact their pediatrician who can check to see what vaccines are recommended for that country. A few years back we were planning to go to the Phillipines and our doctor had our daughter take a typhoid shot - it had to be a few weeks in advance so don't wait. Have a wonderful time. Traveling with children can be a challenge but they, and you, gain so much from the experience.

I would check out the CDC website ASAP for recommended shots for your entire family. The kids are probably up to date on their Hep As, etc., but chances are your aren't. I don't want to put a damper on things, but a lot of shots require boosters several weeks/months apart, so you need to check on this now since your pediatrician and your primary care physician may need to order the shots.