Just as they need to remember their passports, Lakewood residents heading off to destinations in Central and South America, Asia, Africa and other hot spots in the developing world shouldn't leave home without their travel immunizations.

The staff at the Lakewood travel immunization clinic Passport Health Colorado are very busy this time of year with travelers scheduling their immunizations ahead of spring and summer travel plans.

"Despite the growing wave of international travelers to the developing world, there is still a lot of confusion about what immunizations are needed," said Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director with Passport Health Colorado. "The confusion centers around the issue of what's 'required' versus what's 'recommended.'"

Reesman said countries "require" shots for diseases they believe will put their residents at risk. Meanwhile, The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) "recommend" the immunizations the organizations believe are necessary to ensure travelers stays healthy. "Budget travelers who opt for only what's 'required' are often putting themselves at serious risk of disease," Reesman said.

You never have to look far to find dangerous disease outbreaks in the developing world. For example Paraguay is in the midst of a serious Yellow Fever outbreak and Brazil is also battling this mosquito-borne illness. Reesman said that it's fortunate Yellow Fever vaccine stocks, very recently in short supply, are finally starting to be replenished. Because Passport Health Colorado provides a high volume of Yellow Fever vaccinations, it is one of the first vaccinators to receive this critical medicine.

For more information on protecting yourself while traveling, go to Passport Health Colorado's Web site at www.passporthealthco.comor call 303-442-8728.