International Travel Vaccinations

What other vaccines are recommended for travel?

Specific vaccines are required and/or recommended for travel to developing countries. They provide personal health protection and, in many cases, they are more important for the well being of the traveler than the required shots.

Tetanus/Diptheria (Td) - This combination vaccine is recommended for all persons every 10 years.

Typhoid – Not generally necessary for travelers who stay at the usual tourist accommodations in Mexico and most European and Caribbean countries. Suggested for travelers to most other foreign countries and, specifically for persons visiting rural areas of Mexico.

Polio - A one-time booster is recommended for travelers to Africa and Southeast Asia.

Hepatitis A - Routinely given to children beginning at age 2 years. Recommended for most foreign travel, including Europe. It is a 2 part vaccine series.

Hepatitis B - Routinely give to infants and children. It is recommended for adults with prolonged travel to or residence in developing countries. All healthcare workers should also be immunized. It is a 3 part vaccine series.

Meningococcal – Advised for travel to developing countries where risk is high or that infection, e.g. parts of sub-Saharan Africa ( “meningitis belt”). Saudia Arabia requires vaccine for all pilgrims attending the Hajj.

Malaria - A vaccine does not exist. Oral medications are available for the usual types of malaria and for drug resistant strains. The most common medication prescribed is call Lariam, it is taken once weekly before, during and after travel.

Rabies – Pre-exposure rabies vaccine is urged for persons who will have more than short-term travel in countries (including Mexico) where rabies is common in domestic and wild animals and exposure is likely.

Japanese B Encephalitis (JE) - Moderately toxic vaccine with use generally limited to travelers to Asia who will have prolonged rural exposure to mosquitoes in areas with a high likelihood of disease transmission, e.g. rice paddies and rural areas.

Immune globulin G ( IGG ) – Given to travelers at risk for Hepatitis a who have not completed the Hepatitis A vaccination series 4 weeks prior to travel.

Childhood Immunizations – should be up-to-date according to the latest recommended schedule available at the CDC Travel Information Site.