Have you thought about becoming infected with an illness that you were vaccinated against? Few people do. Many vaccines only need a single shot, but not all of them. Booster shots are key in preventing the return or contraction of certain diseases. But, some individuals overlook their importance in sustaining disease immunity.

Why Do I Need A Booster Vaccine?

In the 1950’s, a diphtheria epidemic in Russia caused more than 750,000 cases. The majority of cases were in children. But, it wasn’t until 1958 that universal childhood immunization began. As a result, diphtheria cases decreased dramatically by 1963.

In the later years, a childhood vaccination schedule had to be completed for school entry. Case reports fell, and there was hope for elimination. But, diphtheria made an explosive comeback in Russia thirty years later.

In 1993, a major outbreak occurred. Except this time, the majority of cases were in adults.

“Most experts attribute the increase in diphtheria to failings in the Russian immunization program,” said Celestine Bohlen, in a New York Times article published during this second epidemic outbreak. “[This] allow[ed] a high number of infants to be turned down for the normal schedule of inoculations for medical reasons, while not keeping many adults, particularly those from age 20 to 50, up to date on their immunizations.”

This second diphtheria outbreak was different. Most cases were in adults. Thirty years earlier, the majority of cases were pediatric. A connection between the lack of booster vaccines and this outbreak was clear.

A booster vaccine could have prevented the second diphtheria outbreak. It is important to stay up to date on booster vaccines to avoid incidences such as this.

Why Do Some Infections Require Booster Vaccines?

One can never be sure that a sickness won’t re-emerge and put them at risk. It is necessary to know whether a vaccine from a certain disease requires a booster later on.

Booster need depends on a variety of factors including disease progression and immunological memory.

Immunological memory refers to the ability of the immune system to respond to a detected pathogen. The faster the immune system can recognize a pathogen and prevent a sickness, the better. Whether it is necessary to boost immune memory with a follow-up shot depends on the disease’s speed of progression.

If enough time has passed since the vaccination, and the disease can progress rapidly. It may even spread faster than the body can respond. In cases involving slow-moving infections, the immune memory is activated with plenty of time to respond. In these instances, a booster vaccine is not necessary to maintain immunity.

“Pediatricians and family doctors must begin to anticipate the need to provide booster vaccinations for several of the newer vaccines introduced in the recent years,” said Michael Pichichero, with the Rochester General Research Institute, who has studied booster vaccines in various states.

No one wants to get infected with an illness they thought they were immune to. Sometimes, it can be hard to remember. Long period of time can pass without needing a booster – the tetanus booster is only needed every ten years.

What Vaccines Require Boosters?

Other vaccines may need a booster more often, such as the annual dose for the flu.

Travel Vaccinations that Require Boosters:

• Anthrax
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A & B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Polio (for some individuals)
• Rabies (pre- and post-exposure)
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Routine Vaccinations that Require Boosters:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Chickenpox
• HPV
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
• Influenza

It is not only important to check if you will need a booster vaccine, but also to remember when it will be needed. You can check the adult vaccination schedule recommended by the CDC.

To learn more about these immunization or titer testing, see our vaccinations and titer testing portals.

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, consider titer testing to learn if you are immune. Your local Passport Health clinic can help, book your appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

Have you ever been infected with an illness you thought you were immune to? Share your thoughts on booster vaccines and their importance to your health in our comments section below, on Twitter or via Facebook.

Namibia is a popular safari destination on the southwest coast of Africa. Not only is it a great place for a safari, but also the country also offers countless other adventures. If you are planning an outdoor adventure to Namibia, don’t forget to plan ahead. Check out our health tips for travel to Namibia and a brief guide of what you can do.

Which Vaccines Do I Need For Namibia?

Before heading out for a Namibia, it’s important to receive a few key vaccinations. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control recommend the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever
• Routine Vaccinations

To learn more about these infections and their vaccines, see their individual pages. Prepare before you go by visiting your local Passport Health clinic. Schedule today by calling or booking online now.

Mosquito-borne Diseases In Namibia

Mosquito bites can lead to malaria, a deadly disease. There is no vaccination against malaria. But, there are antimalarial medications that will protect you from infection. The CDC recommends mosquito nets, insect repellent and other related products.

Dengue is another mosquito-borne disease common in Namibia. Be sure to take proper precautions against mosquitoes.

Where Should I Visit In Namibia?

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, and a popular destination. The 85 kilometer trail through the canyon is perfect for those up for a challenge. But, the trail is only open from May to the mid-September due to extreme temperatures the rest of the year. Travel plans to the canyon should be evaluated by a travel health professional. Schedule a travel health consultation with Passport Health four to six weeks before leaving.

If you prefer a less intense adventure, the Waterberg Plateau may be for you. The plateau is a pristine viewpoint to scope out many of the rare and endangered species in Africa. The park contains many self- and professionally- guided trails hikes are available.

The largest population of black rhinos in the world lives in Namibia’s Etosha National Park. It also has many waterholes that attract all types of African wildlife. This destination should be a part of any nature afficionado’s itinerary.

Namibia also has other great spots to stop at such as Swakopmund. It’s a great location for skydiving, kitesurfing and incredible views of sand dunes. No matter the type of person, Namibia has something to offer for everyone.

What are some Namibian travel destinations that you would add to your safari roadmap? Leave an answer in the comments below or on Passport Health’s Facebook and Twitter pages!

China has a tuberculosis (TB) problem, one that generates a million new cases each year. Despite fewer cases, the disease remains a significant problem for much of the country.

Tuberculosis infections have declined each year since the 1990s. The prevalence per 100,000 population decreased from 215 in 1990 to 68 in 2014. This is due to government outreach and the help of global health organizations. But, many suffer from TB and an alarming number of these cases are drug-resistant.

China has the most cases of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in the world. Many of these patients go undiagnosed. This creates an increased risk of infection to others living in or traveling to the country.

Many people in China infected by TB come from poor socioeconomic groups in rural areas. Public healthcare is less than ideal in these regions. Often patients do not know they are carriers or cannot afford the treatments they need.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most common symptoms are:

• A bad cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus from deep in the lungs)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Other symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and night sweats

TB only spreads through the air, via infected air droplets, and not by shaking hands or sharing food. Whenever an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, anyone standing nearby may become infected.

Not everyone infected by tuberculosis becomes sick right away. There are two forms of the disease: latent TB disease and TB disease. Those with latent TB are not infectious and may have no symptoms. Their body was able to isolate the bacteria and prevent it from growing. But, the bacteria lies dormant in the body and can become active at any time.

Latent tuberculosis infection is a problem in China and many other countries. Travelers are at increased risk of coming in contact with infected persons than they are at home.

This is why testing for TB is so crucial. You may have latent TB and not know it, especially if you have traveled to areas where the disease is endemic.

There are two diagnostic tests used to identify TB bacteria:

• Skin test (also known as the PPD test)
• Blood test

TB testing will not identify the type of infection, only whether you are infected. X-rays or other testing may be necessary if tests come back positive. Treatment usually starts immediately with oral medications. It can take up to a year to overcome TB.

Tuberculosis vaccination is common in some countries but is not available in the U.S.. The vaccine is not always effective in adults and can interfere TB testing. The CDC does not recommend its use.

There are ways you can protect yourself from this disease. Prevention is key to minimizing the risks of contracting TB. The CDC recommends travelers do the following to avoid TB:

• Avoid exposing yourself to people with active TB, especially in warm, small rooms.
• If you work in healthcare settings, wear a face mask to avoid breathing in the bacteria.
• If you expect long-term exposure to victims of TB, receive a TB test upon your return.

To learn more about TB, see our tuberculosis testing page.

Are you planning on traveling to China or another country with endemic tuberculosis? Or, have you recently returned a from a TB-endemic area?

Protect your health by making an appointment with a travel health specialist today. Visit a Passport Health clinic to receive more information about TB or for testing. Book your appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

Let us know what you think about the continuing problem of TB disease in China. Comment below, on Facebook or via Twitter.

Seeing the world is one of the most amazing experiences a person can have. From Europe to Australia, the globe is full of absolute must see destinations that people will plan for years to visit. But, one simple thing can ruin a trip before it even starts: losing your passport.

While losing a passport at home can make travel planning difficult, there are ways to easily overcome this issue. Passport expediting services like those that Passport Health offers, can help you get a passport in 24-hours if needed – much faster than the 3-8 weeks the government normally takes to issue a new passport. But, what do you do if you lose your passport while abroad?

A lost passport will often mean the end of a trip. While the temporary passport an embassy or consulate give you will help you get home, it won’t let you into other countries. That’s where a secondary passport can come in handy.

[Read more…]

Everyone has loose change in a pocket, cupholder or piggy bank, but how often do we look at what’s on these coins? Since 1946, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, has been on the coin’s face. But, did you know that Roosevelt didn’t end up being on the face of a coin due to leading the nation? Instead, he is on this coin because of his drive to stop polio.

January 30, 1946, would have been FDR’s 64th birthday. The war in Europe ended seven months before, and it had been six since the Japanese forces surrendered. Roosevelt died in April 1945, not living to see either event. By this point, many in America were calling for a memorial to the man who led the country through the Great Depression and the majority of World War II.

Memorials would take time, so the Treasury Department took action. They decided the best way to honor the president was by placing him on a coin. The Treasury Secretary set the former president’s birthday as the minting goal which was a nearly unheard of timeframe.

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In August 1921, Franklin Roosevelt and his family were vacationing in New Brunswick, Canada. After a few days of yachting and fishing, the former Secretary of the Navy began to feel ill. Within two days he was paralyzed from the neck down. Roosevelt did recover, but not fully. He would never be able to walk again.

Five years later, Roosevelt was still try to regain his strength. He’d worked hard but was still unable to walk. He started the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, named after the therapeutic springs he had used to help fight polio. Twelve years later, in 1938, having served more than a term as president, he renamed the organization the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (NFIP).

Roosevelt used his position as president to appeal to the public for help. In his addresses, he was sure to mention the importance of fighting polio. Celebrity singer Eddie Cantor jokingly urged people to send dimes to the president to help him with the cause. The public took Cantor’s and Roosevelt’s words seriously and began to pledge their support.

Despite the ongoing depression, more than 2.68 million dimes were sent to the White House. The estimated $270,000 would be worth nearly $5 million today.

This deluge of dimes lead to the NFIP’s new name, and how we know it today, the March of Dimes.

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Mint workers were trying hard to meet their January deadline. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock was chosen to design the coin. His first design was submitted in October of 1945, but it was rejected. The Mint found itself running low on time and wasn’t sure what to do. Some officials suggested a contest to design the dime, but that idea was shot down.

Meanwhile, Sinnock returned to his drafting table. On Jan. 6, 1946, just 24 days before the coin’s scheduled unveiling, Sinnock’s final design was approved.

The pre-1946 coin featured Lady Liberty stylized as the goddess Mercury. Sinnock scrapped everything. His new plan called for a large portrait of Roosevelt with LIBERTY to the left and IN GOD WE TRUST below. On the reverse face, he chose an upright torch, symbolizing freedom, flanked by olive and oak branches, denoting peace and victory. E PLURIBUS UNUM was placed behind these figures.

Despite a few setbacks, the Roosevelt coin still exists today. It is a reminder of a great president and an even greater cause to end one of the most prevalent diseases of the last century.

For more information on polio, please see our polio page.

Do you need a polio vaccination? Schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Do you think the dime should retain Roosevelt’s face? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter.