Do you need vaccinations before you travel?
When traveling internationally, be aware of the vaccines recommended or required for your destination. Not only do vaccines protect you from disease, they help prevent spreading them to your home country or to other travelers.
General Recommendations for All Travelers:
- COVID-19
- Routine Vaccines: Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and varicella (chickenpox).
Common Travel Vaccines
Hepatitis A and B: Protects against liver infections caused by the hepatitis A and B viruses, often spread through contaminated food and water or blood and bodily fluids | Typhoid: Protects against typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, typically spread through contaminated food and water. |
Yellow Fever: Required for travel to certain parts of Africa and South America. It protects against yellow fever, a serious disease spread by mosquitoes. | Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for travelers to rural parts of Asia, especially if staying for long periods. It protects against a viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes |
Rabies: Recommended for travelers who may come into contact with animals in areas where rabies is common. | Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningitis, required for travelers to certain countries, such as those performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. |
Cholera: Recommended for travelers to areas with active cholera transmission. Cholera is spread through contaminated water and food. | Polio: Ensures protection against poliovirus, especially if traveling to areas where polio is still prevalent. |
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Ensures protection against these diseases, especially in areas with ongoing outbreaks. |
I’m Traveling To...
Yellow Fever:
- Required for entry into many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Proof of vaccination may be needed.
Malaria Prophylaxis:
- Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria.
- Consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate medication.
Typhoid:
- Recommended for travelers to areas with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water.
Hepatitis A and B:
- Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers.
- Hepatitis B is recommended for travelers who may have exposure to blood or body fluids.
Meningococcal Meningitis:
- Recommended for travelers to the meningitis belt (from Senegal to Ethiopia).
Japanese Encephalitis:
- Recommended for travelers to rural areas or those spending extended periods in endemic regions.
Typhoid:
- Recommended for travelers to areas with poor sanitation.
Hepatitis A and B:
- Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers.
- Hepatitis B for travelers who may have exposure to blood or body fluids.
Rabies:
- Recommended for travelers who may have significant animal exposure.
Hepatitis A and B:
- Recommended for travelers to certain Eastern European countries and for those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis:
- Recommended for travelers to rural or forested areas in Europe where ticks are common.
Hepatitis A and B:
- Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers.
- Hepatitis B for travelers who may have exposure to blood or body fluids.
Typhoid:
- Recommended for travelers to areas with poor sanitation.
Rabies:
- Recommended for travelers who may have significant animal exposure.
Yellow Fever:
- Required for entry into some countries, especially in the Amazon Basin.
- Proof of vaccination may be required.
Typhoid:
- Recommended for travelers to areas with poor sanitation.
Hepatitis A and B:
- Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers.
- Hepatitis B for travelers who may have exposure to blood or body fluids.
Rabies:
- Recommended for travelers who may have significant animal exposure.
Other Resources:
Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling. You can also contact your local health department for vaccine information.