If you are thinking of traveling abroad then you should consider getting vaccinations before your trip. Some countries and regions of the world have mandatory vaccination requirements in order to gain entry and failure to have taken the vaccine can mean having to take the shot then and there. The best way to find out what is required as mandatory and what is recommended is to visit the CDC website. It breaks it down by country and region.
The newest and most pressing concern these days is for the H1N1 virus, formerly known as Swine Flu. This seems to be more prevalent in certain areas like Mexico and China. The major pharmaceutical companies are hard at work getting a H1N1 virus vaccine ready for the general public. Some companies, like Glaxo Smith Kline, already have a flu vaccine that they could adapt for the new strain of flu. Before these new vaccines can be released to the general public they have to go through vigorous research and medical studies.
Some of these vaccine studies and trials for the H1N1 flu virus have started and from what they say it should be ready to go by October. Everyone is keeping a close eye on this as the flu season is already upon us.
When you travel in tight places like airplanes or trains you are breathing recycled air and have a far greater chance of picking up something from someone else onboard. This is why there are vaccinations you should consider before traveling. You may take fantastic care of yourself and stay in top physical shape but all it takes is the slightest contact with an infected person to change that. Be safe when you travel and check before you go.