Although none of these vaccinations are required, we have compiled a list of "recommended" travel vaccinations for Ukraine:

• Td (Tetanus-Diptheria)
• IPV (Polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

You might want to check out the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov . The CDC site will give you lots of good information immunizations and diseases.

One thing to keep in mind, there are diptheria outbreaks going on in Eastern Europe. If you don't get anything else, I would at least make sure I had a recent TD (Tetanus-diptheria) within the last 10 years. You may also consider a Cholera vaccination.

One thing to keep in mind, is to make sure that you do not drink water or beverages with ice, or even brush your teeth with the water in Ukraine. The water could be contaminated and lead to serious illness for some people. The best thing to do is drink only bottled water. If you must drink water from Ukraine, be sure to boil it first. Water purifiers are good, but they do not filter out some viruses.

In addition, fresh fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption. It is also recommended that you avoid all seafood due to possible harvesting in contaminated water.

Hepatitis A, Cholera, and Typhoid are transmitted through contaminated water supplies and poor sanitation (fecal-oral). By sticking to boiled and bottled water, you will protect yourself. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids, Diptheria is transmitted through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing,) and Polio is transmitted through the stool (fecal-oral).

Also, don't forget to wash your hands very good after handling the children in the orphanages, and especially after changing any diapers. Good hand washing is said to be the most important factor in prevention of disease. Since it would be silly to wash your hands with potentially-contaminated water, always carry with you plenty of anti-bacterial soap (the kind that does not need water).

Legal Reminder - all of the above are suggestions and do not take the place of your health care provider's advice for you as an individual.

-- Janis