[verukasalt]

We're almost done with the paperwork phase and anticipate traveling to Russia within the next 6 months or so. We're wondering if you had vaccinations updated before you went and which ones? Our agency said it wasn't required nor did most do it. I was actually surprised. My husband's doctor is suggesting he at least get the HEP C series.

Thanks for your info!

[ddahl]

We did not do it although the US govt. site was also suggesting it at the time we traveled. We did not have any issues but we were in a very metropolitan area of Russia, St. Petersburg. Not sure if it makes a difference on the Hep c as it can be contracted here in the US as well. Use your best judgement.

[waiter]

My advice- Go to a travel clinic and get what ever shots they suggest. It depends partially on what region you will be in and what the conditions are that you will be staying in. The ones I either had or made sure I had had before were Hep A, Hep B, diptheria/tetanus,and flu. The Hepatitis is a series so it does take time to be fully covered. I think the time of year- summer/winter matters a little for a region so when you get travel dates check back and be sure nothing new has been added. The travel clinic can also help you determine what is safe to eat/drink in an area and give you the preventive prescriptions for antibiotics. The clinic I used gave me a lot of valuable travel information/tips. It was well worth it.

To get or not get the shots is common question. My opinion is it is better to be as protected as you can. When you come home with your child the last thing you want is to be sick with something that could have been prevented.

[LilyMoon]

We got Hep A and B, tetanus, flu and one more, I can't remember. I think it's good to at least get Hep A/B regardless of travel and possibly flu as you wouldn't want to get sick while traveling.

[beckyww]

We got all those, plus the flu vaccine and a tetanus booster.

We felt: Better safe than sorry.

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[SingleMama2B]

Hi Kimberly..... I agree with GETTING vaccinated. I did not, and was very Lucky (as I find out). My agency (back then - 2004) did not require/suggest, but now they do! I did have my annual Flu shot in October, and had my tetnis the year before from a cut - so I felt good that I had, had them at least. I was in Moscow, so I too was not in a remote place - though my DD was in a remote village (almost 4 hours one way by car), and it was filthy dirty and depressed. If I where going through the process again, I would get it ALL done. Nothing is worse then feeling or being sick while on this journey.

I would find out how long they last for 6 months, 12 months, etc., and get them done with enough time to travel.

[ndkaff]

My dh and I also received our shots.
I think Hep A&B, tentus, Typhoid fever, and flu shot.
I told my dh I would rather get the shots here then end up being sick while in Russia

[KimOH]

We also got our shots, although I believe we missed the last dose of one of them (the one that's in a series) because we traveled before we were due for it, then we didn't go back for it. We were told though that you have substantially more protection with a partial series than you have with none.

We had to find a travel clinic as our regular doctor did not stock those shots. In addition, we had to pay out-of-pocket. They were not covered by our insurance.