Yes, you should get several vaccines before traveling to keep yourself and others safe. Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. And traveling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases, which means you might need more vaccines before you visit. This guide will help you understand which vaccines you need, when to get them, and how to prepare for safe travels anywhere in the world.
Planning ahead is key. According to the CDC’s travel health guidelines, it’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling. Let’s explore what vaccines you need for your next adventure.
Why Travel Vaccines Matter
Travel vaccines protect you from serious diseases that might not exist where you live. When you visit other countries, you can catch illnesses that are rare or don’t happen at all in the United States. International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States.
Think of vaccines like a shield. They teach your body how to fight off germs before you meet them. Without this protection, a fun trip could turn into a medical emergency.
Who Needs Travel Vaccines
Everyone who travels outside their home country should think about getting travel vaccines. This includes:
- People going on vacation
- Business travelers
- Students studying abroad
- People visiting family in other countries
- Aid workers and volunteers
Even if you’re staying in nice hotels or only visiting big cities, you can still get sick. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can occur in travelers to developed or developing countries and who have standard tourist accommodations, eating behaviors, and itineraries.
Essential Vaccines for All Travelers
Some vaccines are important no matter where you’re going. These are called routine vaccines, and you should be up to date on them before any trip.
Routine Vaccines You Need
COVID-19 Vaccine The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Get your shot before traveling and consider getting boosters if you’re at higher risk.
Flu Shot Get your yearly flu vaccine before traveling. The flu spreads easily in airports, planes, and crowded tourist areas. It’s especially important during flu season.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) CDC recommends all travelers get fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination. Measles is making a comeback in many parts of the world, and measles cases are increasing globally, including in the United States, so this shot is really important.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) This protects against three serious diseases. You need a booster every 10 years, so check when you last got this shot.
Polio Most adults got polio shots as kids, but you might need a booster if you’re going to certain countries. Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines.
Destination-Specific Vaccines
Different places have different health risks. Where you’re going decides which extra vaccines you need.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
This is one of the most important travel vaccines. Hepatitis A is among the most common vaccine-preventable infections acquired during travel. The World Health Organization reports that you can get hepatitis A from eating food or drinking water that has the virus in it.
Who Should Get It:
- Anyone traveling outside the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand
- People eating at restaurants or staying with local families
- Travelers to rural areas
When to Get It: Get your first shot at least 2 weeks before you travel. You’ll need a second shot 6 months later for long-term protection.
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever is a serious illness you can get from contaminated food and water. The CDC reports that more than 5,700 cases of typhoid occur in the U.S. each year, with most cases happening in travelers who caught the infection while abroad. Travelers visiting friends and relatives are at increased risk because they might be less careful with food and water while abroad than other travelers and might not seek pre-travel health consultation or typhoid vaccination.
High-Risk Areas:
- South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- Parts of Africa
- Central and South America
Two Types Available:
- Shot form: One injection at least 2 weeks before travel. Good for people 2 years and older.
- Pills: Four pills taken every other day. Good for people 6 years and older. The last dose should be taken at least 1 week before travel.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Some countries won’t let you in without proof of yellow fever vaccination. This vaccine is only available at special clinics approved by the government.
Required for Travel to:
- Parts of Africa
- Parts of South America
Important Facts:
- You must get this at an authorized yellow fever clinic
- You get a special yellow card as proof
- The shot lasts for life
- If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
This vaccine protects against a brain infection spread by mosquitoes. Japanese encephalitis vaccines may be recommended if you’re traveling to Asia or the Western Pacific and plan to stay for more than four weeks.
Consider This Vaccine If:
- You’re staying in rural Asia for more than a month
- You’re doing outdoor activities in rice-growing areas
- You’re traveling during mosquito season
How to Get Your Travel Vaccines
Getting travel vaccines is easier than you might think. You have several options for where to get them.
Where to Go
Your Regular Doctor Many family doctors can give common travel vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid. Call ahead to make sure they have what you need.
Travel Clinics These special clinics focus on travel health. They have all the vaccines and can give you personalized advice based on where you’re going.
Pharmacies Many pharmacies now offer travel vaccines. This can be a quick and easy option for common shots.
Health Departments Local health departments often have travel vaccines at lower costs.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your vaccination records
- Your travel plans (where, when, how long)
- List of activities you’ll do
- Any health conditions you have
- Current medications
Special Considerations
Some people need extra care when getting travel vaccines.
Pregnant Women
Pregnancy changes which vaccines are safe. Most travel vaccines are okay, but you should always check with your doctor first.
Safe During Pregnancy:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid (shot form only)
- Most routine vaccines
Avoid During Pregnancy:
- Yellow fever (unless going to high-risk areas)
- Typhoid pills
- Some other live vaccines
Children
Kids can get most travel vaccines, but the ages when they can start differ.
Age Limits:
- Hepatitis A: 6 months and older
- Typhoid shot: 2 years and older
- Typhoid pills: 6 years and older
- Yellow fever: 9 months and older
People with Health Problems
If you have a weak immune system or certain health conditions, talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe for you.
Cost and Insurance
Travel vaccines can cost money, but they’re worth it to stay healthy.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover routine vaccines but might not pay for travel-specific ones. Check with your insurance company before getting shots.
Usually Covered:
- Routine vaccines like flu and MMR
- Vaccines given at your regular doctor
Often Not Covered:
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine
- Travel clinic fees
Ways to Save Money
- Get vaccines at health departments
- Check if your employer offers travel health benefits
- Look for pharmacy promotions
- Get only the vaccines you really need
Common Side Effects
Most people don’t have problems with travel vaccines, but some mild side effects can happen.
Normal Side Effects
- Sore arm where you got the shot
- Low fever
- Feeling tired
- Mild headache
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have:
- High fever over 101°F
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, trouble breathing)
- Symptoms that last more than a few days
Planning Your Vaccine Schedule
Timing is everything when it comes to travel vaccines. Some need time to work, and others require multiple doses.
Timeline for Getting Vaccines
6-8 Weeks Before Travel: This is the perfect time to start your vaccines. It’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling.
4 Weeks Before Travel: Still time for most vaccines, but some might not be fully effective by your travel date.
2 Weeks Before Travel: You can still get some vaccines, but protection might not be complete.
Last Minute: Even last-minute vaccines can help, but they’re not as effective.
Multiple Vaccines at Once
You can usually get several vaccines on the same day. This saves time and trips to the clinic. Most vaccines can be given together without problems.
What to Do After Vaccination
Getting your shots is just the first step. Here’s what to do next:
Keep Your Records Safe
- Take photos of your vaccination cards
- Store records in your phone or cloud storage
- Bring originals when you travel
- Some countries require proof of certain vaccines
Monitor for Side Effects
Watch for any unusual symptoms in the days after getting vaccines. Most side effects are mild and go away quickly.
Continue Protecting Yourself
Vaccines don’t protect against everything. You still need to:
- Wash your hands often
- Be careful with food and water
- Use bug spray to prevent mosquito bites
- Avoid sick people when possible
Beyond Vaccines: Other Travel Health Tips
Vaccines are important, but they’re not the only way to stay healthy while traveling.
Food and Water Safety
Even with vaccines, you can still get sick from contaminated food and water.
Safe Practices:
- Drink bottled or boiled water
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Eat hot, freshly cooked food
- Avoid raw fruits and vegetables you can’t peel yourself
- Skip street food in areas with poor sanitation
Preventing Bug Bites
Many diseases spread through insect bites. Protect yourself by:
- Using bug spray with DEET
- Wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
- Sleeping under mosquito nets
- Staying in air-conditioned rooms when possible
Staying Healthy During Travel
- Get enough sleep before and during your trip
- Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates
- Pack a basic first aid kit
- Know how to get medical help where you’re going
Special Situations
Some types of travel need extra planning.
Visiting Friends and Relatives
If you’re visiting family in another country, you might think you’re at lower risk. But actually, travelers visiting friends and relatives are at increased risk because they might be less careful with food and water while abroad than other travelers and might not seek pre-travel health consultation or typhoid vaccination.
Business Travel
Even short business trips can expose you to diseases. Don’t skip vaccines just because your trip is brief.
Adventure Travel
If you’re planning activities like hiking, camping, or working with animals, you might need extra vaccines like rabies pre-exposure shots.
Long-Term Travel
If you’re moving abroad or staying for months, you’ll need a more complete vaccination plan and might need boosters while you’re away.
Resources for Travel Health Information
Stay informed with reliable sources of travel health information.
Government Resources
CDC Travel Health Website The CDC’s Travelers’ Health website has detailed information about health risks and vaccine requirements for every country.
State Department Travel Advisories Check for current safety and health warnings for your destination.
When to See a Travel Medicine Specialist
Consider seeing a specialist if:
- You’re going to high-risk areas
- You have health conditions
- You’re traveling with young children
- You need hard-to-find vaccines
- You want personalized advice
At Crystal Lake Pharmacy, our experienced team can help you understand which vaccines you need and provide vaccination services to keep you protected during your travels.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right vaccines before you travel is one of the best things you can do to protect your health. Start planning early, get the shots you need, and follow other safety measures to have a safe and healthy trip.
Remember, vaccine requirements and recommendations can change, so always check current information before you travel. The small cost and effort of getting vaccines is nothing compared to the peace of mind they provide.
Ready to start planning your travel health protection? Contact our pharmacy team today to schedule your travel vaccine consultation. We’ll help you figure out exactly which vaccines you need based on where you’re going and when you’re traveling. Don’t wait until the last minute – protect yourself and your loved ones with proper travel vaccinations.