Missionaries and International Travel

Missionaries have greater health risks than ordinary tourists. They typically travel to more remote locations, stay for longer periods of time, have closer contacts with local populations, and stay in simpler accommodations. Early preparation for mission trips increases your chances of staying healthy.

Prepare for the mission

• Improve your immune system by exercising regularly and following a healthy diet before your trip.
• See your physician and dentist for regular check-ups and to discuss any health concerns.
• Schedule an appointment with a Travel Clinics of America physician as soon as your mission destination is finalized. The travel physician will update your routine immunizations (shots) and administer travel vaccinations. Recommended travel vaccinations will depend on your age, health status, destination, itinerary, and length of stay. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines, Typhoid, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis are some of the vaccines that may be recommended, depending on your destination.
• If you are traveling to a Malaria-endemic area, you will need prophylactic medication.

Medical and general safety advice for missionaries

• Avoid mosquito and other insect bites by using DEET (30%-50%) repellants and wearing permethrin treated clothing. Sleep under a permethrin treated tent or netting where needed. Stay indoors between dusk and dawn.
• Local food and drinking water may cause traveler’s diarrhea. Exercise caution and follow the traveler’s proverb: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”
• Bring a first aid kit stocked with adequate supplies.
• Bring sufficient supplies of prescribed medications and pack them in carry-on luggage. Arrange for additional supplies from home if needed.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions. Although many pharmaceuticals are available overseas, the quality may not meet U.S. standards.

Medical care abroad

• Check with your mission office to ensure that you have adequate medical and evacuation insurance.
• Join for free the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) for a list of English-speaking doctors, clinics, and hospitals