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If you are planning on travelling this winter make sure your immunization records are up to date

OXFORD COUNTY - If you're leaving Oxford County for the sand and sun this winter, Public Health is reminding you to check your vaccination records.

Program Supervisor in Health Protection for Oxford County Joanne Andrews says before jet off to somewhere sunny, you need to make sure you're protected from local illnesses. "Find your immunization record and then have a look at it and see if you're up to date or consult with a health professional to see if all your immunizations are up to date. And there are some countries that recommend specific immunizations depending on where you're travelling to and what activities you will be doing at that destination." Andrews recommends using the app ImmunizeCA to help keep track of your immunizations.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B are common for sunny holiday destinations, but Andrews says those vaccines take some time. "So Hepatitis A is a form of hepatitis that can be found in water and Hepatitis B can be spread through blood or body fluid. So those are two immunizations that are important for travel. Consult with someone about 8 weeks, 6 weeks, minimum 4 weeks before you travel to make sure that if you need those immunizations to start receiving them. More than one dose is needed - it can be fast tracked if necessary, but it's important to get those immunizations before you travel so you need to allow time."

Andrews also recommends being cautious while abroad - if you're in an area where the water supply might be compromised make sure you are only getting water from a sealed, safe source, or bring all water to a boil.

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