Travel Vaccinations What You Need to Know
While they are not the most glamorous part about travel, vaccinations are an important safeguard against disease or illness when traveling to certain foreign countries. Most people will have already received certain routine vaccinations as a child, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor for your immunization records to be sure. Those basic routine vaccinations include: Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles-mumps-rubella), Polio, Varicella, Pneumococcal, and DTaP (Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis).
There are also some common additional vaccinations which are recommended before traveling to certain countries as a precaution. A few countries require certain vaccinations and may request proof of immunization before you are allowed entry into the country. It is always good to check the Center for Disease Control website to see if any immunizations are recommended or required before your trip.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations
It is recommended for travelers to get immunized when visiting locations that have an intermediate to high risk of certain illnesses or diseases. While they are not required in all places, vaccinations are a preventative measure against falling ill while traveling to a foreign country. Then of course you need to discuss with your doctor in the countries where vaccinations are required, that you may be required to show proof of receiving before being allowed entry into the country.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that is spread by contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include fever, anorexia, abdominal pain and headaches. The typhoid fever vaccine is recommended for travel to South America, Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Extreme cases of malaria can lead to kidney failure, coma and death. While you can protect yourself with mosquito repellents and certain anti-malaria pills, malaria immunization is recommended when visiting parts of Africa (Kruger National Park,) South America (Brazil) and Asia.
Cholera
Cholera is an intestinal infection spread by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Severe cases can lead to death, and cholera kills about 100,000 people annually. It is extremely rare to get Cholera. This vaccine can cost more than $250, and travelers may have to pay out of pocket if their insurance does not cover travel vaccines. Cholera immunization is recommended by the CDC for the following African countries: Angola, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For Asia: Bangladesh, India, and Yemen; and also recommended when traveling to Haiti.
Polio
Polio is a viral disease spread by fecal matter or saliva from an infected person. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. In February 2018, WHO released updated polio vaccine recommendations. You have most likely received the initial vaccine, but a booster shot is recommended for the following destinations: Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and part of the Middle East.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is spread from coughing, kissing, or eating contaminated food. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Immunization is recommended for travel to Africa and the Middle East.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms of yellow fever are: fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. Severe cases of yellow fever can lead to death. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for traveling to South America and Africa. This vaccine is limited to select clinics in the US so you will need to plan ahead of your trip. You must get the vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and brain. It is spread by getting bit by an infected animal. It exhibits flu like symptoms, followed by confusion, hallucinations, partial paralysis, and death if left untreated. It is important to note that the rabies vaccine doesn’t prevent rabies, but makes treating the disease much easier. Rabies immunization is recommended for South America, parts of the Middle East, and Africa.
Japanese Encephalitis
Spread through infected mosquitoes, Japanese Encephalitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the brain. While risk is generally low for most travelers, immunization is recommended if you are spending a lot of time in rural areas during the monsoon season in Asia and Southeast Asia.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease spread through contaminated food and water, as well as intercourse. Flu-like symptoms are exhibited from those infected with Hepatitis A, and there is no cure. It is recommended to receive the Hepatitis A vaccination for travel to all countries.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal is a bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream. Transmission occurs saliva or spit and symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting and confusion. Meningococcal vaccination is recommended when visiting sub-Saharan Africa. Saudi Arabia requires all foreigners making the pilgrimage to Mecca to receive the Meningococcal vaccine.
Zika Virus
There is currently no vaccination to protect against Zika, but it is an infection that is spread through mosquitoes and a pregnant woman can pass it to her fetus. It is not advised that pregnant woman travel to areas with known Zika cases included Grenada, Bonaire, Anitgua, Barbuda, Argentina, St Maarten, Turks & Caicos & other areas of the Caribbean.
Final Thoughts on Travel Vaccinations
- Check the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website to review the most recent information to ensure which immunizations if any, are required for your trip.
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get needed vaccines and medicine at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave. Your doctor may suggest the flu shot, pneumonia shot or other injection even if the areas you are traveling to do not have specific vaccinations required.
- Take steps to avoid illness while traveling including washing your hands frequently, carrying wipes or hand sanitizer, stay hydrated, drink bottled water & avoid eating raw or undercooked food. Read our blog titled Simple Tips to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling, Staying Healthy on a Long Flight and 5 Foods to Avoid While Traveling Abroad for additional information.
- Have a health care kit that you travel with that includes your prescriptions and over the counter medications, first aid supplies and your insurance card. Make sure and take a picture of your health insurance card as well just in case you lose it. Confirm with your health insurance company that you have coverage out of the country. Not all health care plans provide coverage. The other option in this case is to purchase travel insurance.When looking for travel insurance, choose a policy that will cover as much of a canceled trip as is possible just in case you have to cancel your trip at the last minute & of course that offers medical coverage & medical evacuation included in the policy.We have a partnership with AIG Travelguard and you can get a free quote for travel insurance. Click below to get started
Note: We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not official medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
