Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONS
PHOTO: iStockphoto.com
The allure of distant reefs and the thrill of observing exotic species in their native habitats are among the many things that attract divers to the sport, but travelling also exposes us to certain risks. Protecting yourself from disease involves not only staying in good shape, getting enough sleep, maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration and practising proper hygiene but also ensuring you are up to date on all necessary vaccinations.
What are vaccinations?
Vaccines are important protections against many diseases for which there are no specific treatments. A vaccination involves the injection of killed or weakened disease-causing microbes, so your immune system learns to recognise and destroy living versions of that microbe.
Which vaccinations should I get?
Recommended vaccinations vary by destination. Your doctor should know which vaccines or boosters to administer, but you can also do your own research at www.CDC.gov/travel/destinations/list. Common vaccinations for travellers include hepatitis A and B, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and the combination booster for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).
When should I get these vaccinations?
DAN® recommends that you consult with your physician at least two months prior to your intended travel, as some vaccinations take time to become effective or must be given in a series.
What if I don’t know whether I’m vaccinated?
Your physician will likely have medical records with your immunisation history, but if you cannot determine when or if you received vaccinations, your doctor can order a vaccine titer test to measure the antibody levels in your blood to confirm sufficient immunity.
Vaccines are a safe, reliable and efficient way to acquire immunity against infection from many pathogens. And because divers tend to be travellers, you can think of vaccination as an investment in your future.
For more information, visit DANSA.org or call the DAN Medical Information Line at +27 82 810 6010 or 0800 020 111 (locally inside South Africa) or email your questions to danmedic@dansa.org
What are vaccinations?
Vaccines are important protections against many diseases for which there are no specific treatments. A vaccination involves the injection of killed or weakened disease-causing microbes, so your immune system learns to recognise and destroy living versions of that microbe.
Which vaccinations should I get?
Recommended vaccinations vary by destination. Your doctor should know which vaccines or boosters to administer, but you can also do your own research at www.CDC.gov/travel/destinations/list. Common vaccinations for travellers include hepatitis A and B, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and the combination booster for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).
When should I get these vaccinations?
DAN® recommends that you consult with your physician at least two months prior to your intended travel, as some vaccinations take time to become effective or must be given in a series.
What if I don’t know whether I’m vaccinated?
Your physician will likely have medical records with your immunisation history, but if you cannot determine when or if you received vaccinations, your doctor can order a vaccine titer test to measure the antibody levels in your blood to confirm sufficient immunity.
Vaccines are a safe, reliable and efficient way to acquire immunity against infection from many pathogens. And because divers tend to be travellers, you can think of vaccination as an investment in your future.
For more information, visit DANSA.org or call the DAN Medical Information Line at +27 82 810 6010 or 0800 020 111 (locally inside South Africa) or email your questions to danmedic@dansa.org
Posted in Alert Diver Summer Editions, Dive Safety FAQ
Posted in Vaccines, Hepatitus B, COVID, COVID-19, Dive health, Diver Health
Posted in Vaccines, Hepatitus B, COVID, COVID-19, Dive health, Diver Health
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