Preparing For A Spring Break Trip? Get Vaccinated

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When preparing for a trip, you know what's on your list: swimming suit, shorts, sandals. But if you're traveling outside of the U.S., packing your suitcase isn't the only thing you need to do beforehand.

Imagine spending hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars on a trip only to get sick while you're there.

If you are planning a trip, it's important to seek medical attention prior so that you can get information about vaccines and medicines to prevent illness. Many countries have different bacterias and diseases that we may not be consistently exposed to leaving us vulnerable to illness.

Dr. Pamela Noll of Fairview's International Travel clinic in Uptown Minneapolis says it's best to visit a doctor six weeks before your trip to get covered.

"There are some common vaccines that we recommend for anywhere outside the U.S. like hepatitis-A and typhoid. But there are some areas of the world where yellow fever is important, even rabies. So a lot of different vaccines," she said. "It's really important to have medication -- antibiotics specifically -- to prevent traveler's diarrhea. Certain medications work in certain parts of the world.  There are some drug resistance in other areas, so other medications work in other parts of the world."

Patients should always check with their insurance company to be sure they are covered. If not, the out-of-pocket cost of each vaccine varies. Typhoid vaccinations typically cost $125, yellow fever costs $143, and polio costs $68.