Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2006

Collin County Health Care Services offers travel medicine and immunizations

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County Health Care Services would like to remind residents to take the proper steps to ensure that their health is protected if they are planning a trip abroad this summer. Collin County Health Care Services’ staff can assess individual needs and travel plans to determine what immunizations and/or medications may be needed and educate residents about the health risks they may encounter while traveling.

Some diseases that are no longer a threat in developed countries are serious problems in developing countries. Some countries may even require proof of immunization against certain conditions. Contaminated food or drink, inadequate sanitation, or lack of clean water can also be a source of infection. Collin County Health Care Services’ travel medicine program can help you evaluate these risks and can provide vaccinations and travel medicines that your primary physician may not stock. Travel vaccines/medicines offered by the clinic include, but are not limited to:

• Chicken pox
• Hepatitis A & B
• Immune Globulin
• Influenza
• Malaria prescription
• MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)
• Pneumonia
• Polio
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
• Typhoid (capsules or injection)
• Yellow Fever

Some conditions may not produce symptoms until after your return. It is important to meet with a physician who knows of your travel history if you experience signs of illness, especially within two months of your return.

For more information about Collin County Health Care Services’ travel medicine clinic, please visit their website at http://www.collincountytx.gov/healthcare_services/travel_medicine.jsp.

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