Before you travel, make sure you are up to date on all routine
shots. These include tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, and
mumps. It is also good to have a flu shot if you are traveling
to a part of the world where it is flu season. Depending on your
age and health, you may also need a pneumonia shot. When you
travel to foreign countries, you may be exposed to other
infections. Many of these illnesses can be prevented with
vaccines or medicines. At least 2 months before you travel, tell
your healthcare provider where you plan to travel. Your provider
will let you know what shots or medicines you need. This
decision will be based on: Also find out which countries require
proof of vaccination before they will let you visit. Babies and
young children should be up to date with the shots routinely
given in their home country before traveling. Check the Centers
for Disease Control recommendations for immunizing children,
based on where you will be traveling. Your healthcare provider
can help you do this. More than