I've visited a lot of countries already. And you can't just enter their grounds without abiding by their laws or the regulations that they require. Unfortunately, there are a lot of diseases we can acquire while traveling. That's the main reason why the government of that certain country would require you to get vaccination; it's for your own good and their country's. Like for the person who loves to travel to tropical countries, they would need to get vaccinations against hepatitis, yellow fever, polio, diphtheria, typhoid fever, and a lot more other diseases.

First, obtain information about the country you plan to visit, and check what vaccine they would require. Also, consider the risk of exposure; for example, if you are not going to the rural places and don't expect to get exposed to the disease, then maybe you don't have to get the vaccine. But of course, if you really want to be sure, might as well get it than be sorry afterwards. Although preventive medicine has been proven to be successful, still it is not 100% sure you won't acquire a disease when you get vaccinated. At least you took the liberty of being precautious in preventing a disease.

Prevention is not only thru vaccination but also by educating yourself to how a disease is being acquired. Polio, hepatitis A and typhoid can be avoided by eating uncontaminated food and drinking clean water. These days immunization is not that mandatory, yellow fever vaccine is only required if you are traveling to South America, Africa, and Asia. Set up an appointment with your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your travel since the effectiveness of these vaccines require a certain period of time before it gets activated. For pregnant woman, make sure that you get checked by your obstetrician before traveling, and if a necessary immunization is required let your physician know about it.

Let me give you some of the popular destinations that might require you to get vaccinations.

• Australia - although this country does not have yellow fever risk, the government still require the person entering their country to get yellow fever vaccination if you are from a country that has yellow fever or if you are passing by a country that has one. They would require a proof you've obtained a vaccination.

• Canada - they require the routine vaccinations, such as MMR vaccine, DPT vaccine, and the other childhood vaccines. Also, vaccination against hepatitis B.

• China - routine vaccination is also required, Hepatitis A and B vaccines, typhoid for those who might get exposed to infected food and drink, rabies, Japanese encephalitis,

• Egypt - same as in China, they require routine vaccination, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and polio.

• France - routine vaccination, hepatitis B for people who might get exposed with blood or body fluids, person who have sexual contact with local population, and rabies for people who plan to go to nature trips.

• Guam - again, routine vaccination, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccine.

• Hong Kong - since this country has been exposed to SAR, then you would need to have the routine vaccinations, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis.

There are actually a lot more preventive medicine you should be educated on. My advice is get checked and get shots or boosts for your own protection.