San Diego travel medicine

Recommended for every traveler to the developing world, unless there is evidence of immunity. Complete the hepatitis A vaccine series with a booster in 6 to 12 months. The booster is not necessary before the trip; however, the booster will probably ensure lifelong immunity.

This three-dose series is recommended for trips to countries where hepatitis B is common, or if there is a possibility of sexual or bodily fluid exposure. A hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all children who were not vaccinated previously.

Japanese B encephalitis is a potentially fatal viral illness in Southeast Asia, Korea, China, Nepal and India. The risk to tourists is estimated to be one-per-one million for short-term tourists. The vaccine is recommended for travelers spending 30 or more days in at-risk countries. Immunization consists of two vaccinations given on days 1 and 28.

Time permitting, a booster is advised for all foreign travelers born after 1956 who have not had a physician-diagnosed case of measles or have received only one previous dose of the measles vaccine. Women of childbearing age who have not had German measles or the vaccination are advised not to become pregnant for a period of three months following the vaccination.

Required for Muslim pilgrims and their families following their return from Hajj to Saudi Arabia. The vaccination is recommended for travelers to Africa.

Polio is a viral illness that still has a foothold in parts of Asia and Africa. An injectable vaccination series is advised for all nonimmune persons, or a single booster for adults if traveling in an at-risk area.

A regimen of three vaccinations, given on days 1, 7 and 21 or 28 is recommended for spelunkers, cyclists and others who risk the possibility of animal exposure. The series of prophylactic rabies vaccinations is not completely protective, since two additional shots are required in the event of an animal bite. Nevertheless, the prophylactic vaccination eliminates the need for the emergency administration of human rabies-immune globulin, which is often impossible to acquire in foreign countries.

Needed every 10 years or every 5 years if there is a likelihood of a cut or punctured wound.

Recommended for travelers going to areas where typhoid fever is common. This includes most of the developing world, specifically Africa, Asia, and South and Central America. The greatest risk exists in Asia and Latin America where environmental contamination is still a problem. There are two vaccines available. An oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) consists of a series of four capsules, one taken every other day, which provides protection for five years. The second vaccine is the Vi capsular vaccine (Typhim Vi), which can be administered to children 2 years of age through adulthood, with a booster dose two years later if possibility of exposure continues. The oral Ty21a vaccine can be administered to children 6 years of age and older.

This live viral vaccination is required for travelers to certain parts of South America and Equatorial Africa. Yellow fever is a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Children 9 months of age and older require inoculation. Protection is good for a lifetime, commencing 10 days after vaccination. Travelers with infants younger than 9 months of age are strongly advised against traveling to areas within a yellow fever-endemic zone. Yellow fever vaccine should never be given to infants younger than 6 months of age. Travelers 60 years and older have a higher risk of an adverse reaction.

Sharp’s expert physicians offer immunizations for travel and other related services at several Sharp locations, including Sharp Coronado Community Pharmacy Travel Clinic and any Sharp Rees-Stealy Travel Clinic.

There are two simple ways to find the right doctor for you: 

• Search online for a travel medicine doctor with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool. 

• Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, to speak with one of our physician-referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.

If you want to see a specialist, you may need a referral from your primary care doctor.  

Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage. 

If you are an existing patient with a Sharp-affiliated specialist (meaning you have seen your doctor at least once) or a new patient with a primary care doctor, simply call the doctor’s office to make an appointment.

Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.  

Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.