Hepatitis B attacks the liver and is transmitted either sexually, through contaminated needles or blood transfusions. Normal allergy and other medications regularly used at home should also be packed, because allergies would most likely be the same in another country,she said. Ruiz said it's important to get vaccinations at least three months before leaving on the trip. Six is great. The time schedules for some of the shot series are flexible.
Some people come in six months ahead, and that works the best.
Julie Marshall, a liberal studies senior, plans to go on a Christian mission trip this summer to teach English in Antigua, Guatemala. She said she learned from people who visited Central America that she would need immunizations before leaving, and has over a month to get her vaccinations before she leaves. Her mother was more concerned about her needing the shots than she was, Marshall said. It's just kind of another thing I have to do. Ruiz also said taking care of the immunizations months in advance makes the remaining tasks easier.