Safety of Immunizations & Prophylaxis for Children

[Travellots]

Hello Dr. Parks,

I am hoping to do some traveling with our daughter when she is 13 to 20 months old.  It seems that all of the places we'd like to travel (South America, India, Africa) require immunizations/prophylaxis.  What immunizations/prophylaxis are considered safe to take/receive at this age?  Should we steer clear of these destinations for a while or can they be visited safely?  We would only be able to travel for 2 weeks at a time and wouldn't plan on going very far off the tourist trail.

Thank you for sharing your time and expertise.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

I responded to this posting elsewhere.

- Dr. Parks

[dmg101505]

We are traveling to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on March 16th for a week with our 20 month old.  Our pediatrician recommended the Hep A vaccination as well  mefloquine to prevent malaria.  Should I be concerned about her taking both of these during the same week (this week) or in combination in general?  Are there any additional health precautions we should be taking in visiting this country?

I will also visit the websites that you provided for the other inquirer.

Thank you so much for your professional feedback.  

[dmg101505]

We are traveling to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on March 16th for a week with our 20 month old.  Our pediatrician recommended the Hep A vaccination as well  mefloquine to prevent malaria.  Should I be concerned about her taking both of these during the same week (this week) or in combination in general?  Are there any additional health precautions we should be taking in visiting this country?

I will also visit the websites that you provided for the other inquirer.

Thank you so much for your professional feedback.  

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hi.

Thank you for your posting. First, some excellent web-based resources that I would like to direct you to are:

* http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/special/children.html
* http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh8-SafeInfantsChildren.aspx
* http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh8-VacRecInfantsChidren.aspx

If you have specific questions after visiting the above links, please feel free to post additional questions.

The answer to your second question regarding where to travel with children is a complicated discussion based in risk assessment, your risk tolerance, your planned activities at each destination, your accommodations at each destination, etc.

In the travel medicine clinic setting, we often have these types of discussions that are specific to each travel destination.

I welcome additional specific questions that you may have.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.