While moving abroad with your family is an exciting adventure, it also presents significant challenges. In fact, children's health is a primary concern for expat families. Parents have to navigate unfamiliar health systems and find new practitioners to ensure their children receive proper medical follow-up. Moreover, losing familiar health references can affect expat children's mental health. So, how can you manage your children’s medical follow-up abroad and ensure a smooth adaptation? This article covers vaccination, medical follow-up, and adaptation issues for expat children.
Vaccine requirements differ from country to country. This means that not all vaccines are mandatory everywhere, and even for vaccines that are compulsory in your home and host countries, the vaccination schedules might vary. In France, for example, the Hepatitis B vaccine is given between 2 and 11 months of age, while in the United States, it is recommended at birth.
Make sure to review the mandatory and recommended vaccines before moving abroad. For instance, the Yellow Fever vaccine is crucial for some African countries. Useful resources include embassy websites, the World Health Organization, and consultations with travel medicine specialists.
Before relocating overseas, it's crucial to schedule a vaccine check-up with your child's pediatrician. In some instances, your child may need a specific vaccine that isn't required in your home country. You can arrange for this vaccine by discussing your moving abroad plans with the pediatrician, or you can opt to have it administered upon arrival. For example, while systematic vaccination against chickenpox isn't recommended in France, it is mandatory for school entry in the United States.
If your child needs to be vaccinated after your move, and you do not plan to return home frequently, consider utilizing local private clinics or public hospitals. Many expat parents have concerns about the compatibility of health record books. It's reassuring to know that health record books from Europe, Canada, or the United States are generally recognized and accepted worldwide. However, you may need to provide a translation in your host country. In case you cannot obtain a local health record book, you may request that the health professional update the health record from your home country or provide a vaccination certificate instead.
Ensuring expat children's health hinges on finding a reliable pediatrician. Expat networks and Facebook groups can be valuable resources for recommendations. Securing international health insurance is also essential for a smooth integration. Your insurance provider will likely have a network of recommended healthcare professionals you can use.
Many expat parents are quite apprehensive about medical emergencies. Prevention plays a crucial role in addressing this concern. Make sure to have emergency contact numbers readily available. You should also familiarize yourself with the nearest care facility you would visit in case of an emergency.
In addition to the vaccination card, you are advised to carry your children's complete medical records and have them translated if necessary. If your child has a chronic condition, consider arranging for remote follow-up with your original pediatrician.
The mental health of expatriate children, often overlooked, can be at risk when living abroad. It's crucial to monitor and support their emotional well-being during this significant transition.
Children, who are not the initiators of the relocation project, may find it hard to accept the changes. They face stress from new environments and the loss of familiar reference points. Being away from family and friends, children might develop sleep disorders, become irritable, face integration challenges at their new school, and become withdrawn.
This phenomenon is often referred to by psychologists as "expatriate child syndrome," which is particularly prevalent among pre-teens and teenagers. During these formative years, children heavily depend on their social circles to navigate the complexities of adolescence. Behavioral changes and feelings of loneliness are common reflections of their discomfort in new settings.
Rather than attributing behavioral changes to your child's fault, strive to understand the underlying causes. Maintaining comforting routines, especially at bedtime, can provide a sense of stability. Encourage your children to socialize by signing them up for extracurricular activities and connecting with other expat families. Support them without forcing, and prioritize open, compassionate communication. Learning about the concept of the "third culture kid" can also provide valuable insights into how living abroad influences your child’s development.
If your child's feeling of discomfort persists, consider consulting with a school psychologist or seeking an English-speaking specialist online. Being proactive is crucial in managing expat children's health. Ensuring rigorous vaccination follow-up, accessing proper medical care, and facilitating their integration are vital for their well-being.
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