Health and Safety Information
Inoculations & Vaccines
Some countries have specific immunization requirements that need to be fulfilled
before departure; others have recommendations for travelers. The Summer Abroad Student
Handbook includes a chart outlining recommended vaccinations and immunizations (p.
19); however, information may frequently change. It is the student's responsibility
to be aware of new health information regarding the locations to which they plan
to travel.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
provide a wealth of information for the traveler. Please review the pertinent travel
health information on their websites prior to your departure.
Meet with a travel nurse or doctor to get the necessary vaccinations. This appointment
can be done either with your private physician or with the UC Davis Cowell Student
Health Center. (For more information, refer to Health Clearance Form Instructions.
NOTE: Hepatitis is increasing worldwide. Consider getting vaccinations for both
Hepatitis A and B before leaving. The vaccinations must be started six months prior
to departure to complete the series. Also speak with your doctor about getting a
flu vaccine.
Be sure to inform your physician of any plans to travel to destinations outside
of your program itinerary, so that all necessary immunizations can be received prior
to departure.
All shots should be recorded on the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination
card that is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccination card
is often available from your Student Health Center or County Health Department.
Students should take the vaccination card abroad with them if they already have
one. Even though the host government may not require inoculation records for entry
purposes, the card may be useful while traveling outside the host country, particularly
in Asia and Africa.