Travel Vaccinations

Travel vaccines keep individuals healthy by protecting against life-threatening diseases. This is the first and most important step that you, the traveler, should take in preparing for international travel. You may require several kinds of travel immunizations.

Some vaccines require 2-3 doses spaced out over several months. It is best to schedule your appointment with a travel clinic as soon as your itinerary is finalized. You can get all of your travel vaccinations at any Travel Clinic of America.

Travel Vaccines are grouped into three categories: required travel vaccinations, routine vaccinations, and recommended travel vaccinations.

Required Travel Vaccinations

Some countries require yellow fever and meningitis vaccinations. While these vaccines protect you, they are mandated by foreign governments to protect their citizens. You must present your International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as Yellow Card, to enter these countries.

Routine Travel Vaccinations

Routine immunizations begin at birth and are updated as needed throughout one’s lifetime. Bring your immunizations records if available to your appointment with your travel clinic or travel medicine provider.

Routine immunizations include Tdap, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Pneumonia, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Meningitis. Preparing for travel provides an excellent opportunity to update these routine immunizations.

Vaccines preventing HPV and shingles were recently developed. Ask your travel clinic about these immunizations at your appointment.

Again, while it is optimal to start travel vaccinations several months before you travel, a travel shot may offer protection even if administered within a few days of your departure.

Recommended Travel Vaccinations

Recommended travel vaccinations depend on your destination, health status, age and the details of your itinerary. The CDC and WHO websites provide general guidelines. Your travel clinic or medicine provider will advise you on which immunizations are appropriate for you. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Polio and Japanese Encephalitis.

As always while it is optimal to start travel vaccinations several months before you travel, many vaccinations offer protection even if administered within a few days of your departure.

A video from the Center for Disease Control on safe travel and vaccinations.