Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

traveling to a non western country


Wed, January 25, 2017 7:16 AM

Hello everyone,

i'm Ann, 20 years old, diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and on 6MP(which my doctor wants me to take for at least 5 more years). I'm about to finish my bachelor degree, but I want to continue studying and start a master, but not before I have had a gap year. I have been lucky enough to have been traveled and lived in a lot of places around the world; various states in the US, almost all of Europe, and parts of Australia. Basically because due to the medicine 6MP my doctor told me I can't receive any 'living' vaccins, and that is why I have never been to south America, Asia, or Africa. While this is my biggest dream, to travel to a non western country; see the different cultures, volunteer, and work there. I have already received a 'cocktail' of Hepatitis A and B before I started 6MP, but for many countries DPT vaccine and yellow fever are advised/required, which I can't receive right now according to my doctor.

My question now to you all is; have you ever traveled to a non western country while being on 6MP, and how did you do it with the vaccins? Do you have any other advice to which country is save for me to go to?

I hope somebody can help. 

FPO anontravel
Joined Jan 25, 2017

Mon, February 13, 2017 4:02 PM

 Reply posted for anontravel.

I was not on 6MP during this trip but was also not allowed to have the yellow fever live vaccine (I was on Humira at the time). I went to Argentina and Brazil for 3 weeks. In place of the vaccine I used mosquito repellant and wore long sleeves most days. I also traveled during their winter (June) so as to avoid the worst of the mosquitos. I had no problems. Good luck!

FPO akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

Related Topics

Camping with a flare up?
Author Image DPE
Joined Jul 31, 2021

Hey, I am off on an amazing trip across Scotland w....

read more

Stelara in Costa Rica
Author Image thomas2000
Joined Jan 24, 2022

I will be travelling to CR in the near future and ....

read more

Humira for TSA security (...
Author Image luciapastorino
Joined Jun 28, 2023

Dear members of this community, my name is Lucia,....

read more