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 and for travelers to the countries making up standard meningitis belt of Africa. |
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. |
Other Resources:
Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling. You can also contact your local health department for vaccine information.