Traveling overseas with children can be both rewarding and challenging. The logistics of bringing a child somewhere other than home can be a challenge. Many parents become so preoccupied with figuring out travel logistics that they forget that traveling poses certain health risks to young children. Health risks affect both adults and children; however, they can be more severe for younger children, who have immature immune systems. In addition, very young children may not yet have the speech to describe their symptoms or alert you that something is wrong.
Many families choose to vaccinate their children against certain diseases before they travel abroad. Recommended vaccines include routine scheduled vaccinations as well as common pediatric travel vaccinations.
If you have very young children (under the age of 2) or choose not to vaccinate your children, we recommend avoiding travel to any country with even minor disease outbreaks. Some of these diseases can be devastating to our little humans, and it is not worth the risk.
Common Pediatric Travel Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Typhoid fever
- Rabies
- JE (Japanese B encephalitis)
- Cholera
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
Vaccines
In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, there are vaccines recommended for kids traveling abroad. Each country has different disease risks, so it’s essential to conduct some research before planning your trip. Please note that many of these vaccines are not recommended for children under a certain age. Vaccines typically take 4 to 6 weeks to take effect, so it’s essential to schedule an appointment well in advance of your trip.
Common Traveling Illnesses
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be dangerous for infants and young children due to dehydration. This is a very common illness in traveling children. Eat food that is cooked and served hot to avoid diarrhea. Peel and wash fruits and vegetables. Drink liquids from sealed containers. Treat or boil water before drinking. Prevent diarrhea in your infant by breastfeeding. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently. If your child does contract diarrhea while traveling, be sure to provide plenty of fluids or rehydration salts. Seek immediate medical attention if your child is severely dehydrated, is limp or nonresponsive, or has bloody stool.
Insect-spread Diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis)
Medications are available for many insect-borne diseases. However, they are not always 100% effective. Avoid insect bites by wearing insect repellent or covering your skin with long pants and sleeves. Sleep in an air-conditioned room with screens or bed nets.
Rabies
Children are more likely to be bitten by animals due to their curious nature. It’s essential to stay away from strange animals. It is also vital that children feel that they can report a bite to an adult. Some children may hide a bite for fear of getting in trouble with a parent or guardian. Wash all bites thoroughly with soap and water and have them evaluated by a medical professional.
Measles
Measles is a virus spread through infectious droplets.
Finding reliable information on travel and health can be challenging, but it is still available. Travel vaccine recommendations can depend on where you are going, your child’s age, health history, and overall health status. Therefore, you need to know where to look. Finding trusted, peer-reviewed, and evidence-based sources that are current can sometimes be a challenge.
Here are some places to start:
- The World Health Organization (WHO). Their website includes global vaccine and travel health updates.
- Embassy or consulate websites for your destination country, which often provide entry requirements and vaccination information.
- State or county public health departments often maintain their own travel health pages and guidance, including local outbreaks.
- Your pediatric healthcare provider. We have access to up-to-date information on regional risks and vaccine recommendations and can help you determine what you need before traveling.
Before you travel abroad, it’s a good idea to consult with your pediatric healthcare provider. We can help you determine what needs to be done before you embark on your grand adventure. Make sure to schedule an appointment to see your provider at least six weeks before you travel, as many of these vaccines require time to take effect properly.
