Yes, you need specific vaccines before traveling to protect yourself from diseases that are rare in the United States but common in other countries. The vaccines you need depend on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and your current health.
This guide will help you understand which vaccines you need, when to get them, and where to find them. We’ll also cover costs and what your insurance might pay for.
Why Do I Need Travel Vaccines?
When you travel to other countries, you might catch diseases that don’t exist in the United States. Many countries still have illnesses like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A that can make you very sick.
Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. Without the right shots, you might not be allowed to enter certain countries or return home safely.
Travel vaccines do two important things:
- Keep you healthy while traveling
- Stop you from bringing diseases back to your family and community
According to the CDC, over 1 million people travel internationally each day. Without proper vaccines, diseases that we’ve gotten rid of in America could come back.
Essential Vaccines Everyone Should Have Before Travel
Routine Vaccines You Need to Update
Before getting any special travel shots, make sure you’re caught up on basic vaccines. Many popular destinations still have outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Must-Have Routine Vaccines:
- COVID-19 – Stay current with boosters
- Flu shot – Get it every year
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Especially important for international travel
- Tetanus/Diphtheria – Needs a booster every 10 years
- Hepatitis B – Protects your liver from a serious infection
Most Common Travel Vaccines
Hepatitis A This is the most important travel vaccine for most trips. We get hepatitis A from eating food contaminated with the virus. So, anytime you plan on eating food prepared by someone else, it’s a good idea to get the hep A vaccine.
Typhoid You need this if you’re going to places with poor sanitation. It protects against a serious disease you can get from contaminated food and water.
Yellow Fever Yellow fever, meningococcal, and polio vaccines may be required by certain countries. Some countries in Africa and South America won’t let you in without proof of this vaccine. The World Health Organization reports that yellow fever occurs in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America where it is endemic and intermittently epidemic.
Vaccines Based on Where You’re Going
Africa and South America
- Yellow fever (required for many countries)
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (if going to rural areas)
Asia and Southeast Asia
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis (for stays longer than 4 weeks)
- Cholera (for rural areas)
Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
If you’re going to countries like Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe, you probably won’t need any extra vaccines. Just make sure your routine vaccines are up to date.
Central and South America
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever (for certain areas)
- Rabies (if going to rural areas)
When Should I Get Travel Vaccines?
The 4-6 Week Rule
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.
Here’s why timing matters:
- Your body needs time to build protection
- Some vaccines need multiple shots spread weeks apart
- For most people, it takes up to 10 days after the vaccine is given to be protected against the yellow fever virus
What If I’m Traveling Soon?
Don’t panic if your trip is coming up fast. If you are short on time, some vaccines can be administered on an accelerated schedule, meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.
Last-Minute Options:
- Get at least the first dose of multi-dose vaccines
- Injectable typhoid works faster than oral typhoid
- Some protection is better than no protection
Vaccine Schedule Examples
Hepatitis A: Two shots, 6 months apart (but first shot gives good protection)
Hepatitis B: Three shots at 0, 1, and 6 months
Typhoid: One shot (injectable) or 4 pills over 1 week (oral)
Yellow Fever: One shot, good for life
Required vs. Recommended Vaccines
Required Vaccines
These are vaccines you MUST have to enter certain countries:
Yellow Fever
- Required for parts of Africa and South America
- If your destination requires yellow fever vaccine, the proof of vaccination does not become valid until 10 days after the vaccine is given
- You need an official yellow card as proof
Meningitis
- Required for pilgrims going to Mecca for Hajj
- Some countries require it for certain times of year
Polio
- Some countries require proof of recent polio vaccination
Recommended Vaccines
These protect your health but aren’t required for entry:
- Hepatitis A (recommended for almost all international travel)
- Typhoid (for areas with poor sanitation)
- Rabies (for rural areas or animal exposure risk)
- Japanese encephalitis (for long stays in Asia)
Special Considerations by Traveler Type
Business Travelers
- Focus on hepatitis A and routine vaccines
- Consider hepatitis B for frequent travel
- Get vaccines that last longer to avoid repeat shots
Adventure Travelers
- Rabies vaccine is important if you’ll be around animals
- Typhoid for eating local street food
- Meningitis for close contact with locals
Family Travel with Children
Traveling with a child? Make sure they get the measles vaccine. Measles cases are increasing globally, including in the United States, and the majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.
Children need the same travel vaccines as adults, but:
- Doses might be different based on age
- Some vaccines can’t be given to very young children
- Yellow fever vaccine isn’t given to babies under 6 months
Older Adults (65+)
- All routine vaccines, especially flu and pneumonia
- Consider all recommended travel vaccines
- May need extra protection due to weaker immune systems
Where to Get Travel Vaccines
Your Regular Doctor
Many family doctors can give basic travel vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid. This might be the cheapest option if your insurance covers it.
Travel Clinics
These doctors specialize in travel medicine. They have:
- Hard-to-find vaccines like yellow fever
- Up-to-date information on disease outbreaks
- Custom advice for your specific trip
Pharmacies
Many pharmacies now offer travel vaccines. VillageRx pharmacy in Glen Ellyn provides essential pharmacy services, including prescription fulfillment, medication therapy management, over-the-counter health products, custom compounding, and vaccinations.
Benefits of pharmacy vaccines:
- Convenient locations and hours
- Often no appointment needed
- Trained pharmacists can answer questions
Yellow Fever Special Requirements
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.
You can’t get yellow fever vaccine just anywhere. Only special clinics approved by the government can give this shot.
Cost of Travel Vaccines and Insurance Coverage
What You’ll Pay
According to Healthcare Cost Helper, for patients not covered by health insurance, the cost of travel vaccinations at a travel clinic typically includes an initial consultation fee of $15 to $100, a shot administration fee of $10 to $20 per shot, and the cost of the vaccines, which can range from less than $10 per dose to $150.
Typical Costs:
- Doctor visit: $50-$200
- Hepatitis A: $75-$150 per shot
- Typhoid: $90-$150
- Yellow fever: $150-$300
- Japanese encephalitis: $300-$400 per shot
Insurance Coverage
Usually Covered:
- Routine vaccines (flu, MMR, tetanus)
- Hepatitis A and B (often covered)
- Doctor visit fees
Usually NOT Covered:
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Japanese encephalitis
- Rabies vaccine
- Travel clinic consultation fees
Routine vaccines are usually covered by insurance, but travel vaccines may not be.
Tips to Save Money
- Check with your regular doctor first – might be cheaper than travel clinics
- Get routine vaccines at your local health department
- Ask about generic versions of vaccines
- Get vaccines early to avoid rush fees
- Check if your employer offers travel health benefits
Insurance Tips
Before getting vaccines, call your insurance company and ask:
- “Do you cover travel vaccines?”
- “What’s my copay for vaccines?”
- “Do I need to go to specific providers?”
- “Can I get reimbursed if I pay upfront?”
Malaria Prevention – Not a Vaccine
One important thing to know: there’s no vaccine for malaria yet, though the World Health Organization approved the first malaria vaccine for children in 2021. For travelers, medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel.
Malaria Prevention Pills:
- Start before you travel
- Take during your trip
- Continue after you get home
- Must be prescribed by a doctor
Common malaria areas include parts of Africa, Asia, and Central/South America.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling
Vaccines are just one part of staying healthy. You should also:
Prevent Bug Bites
- Use insect repellent with DEET
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Sleep under mosquito nets
- Choose hotels with air conditioning
Food and Water Safety
- Drink bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Don’t eat raw vegetables or fruits you can’t peel
- Only eat hot, well-cooked food
- “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it”
General Health Tips
- Wash your hands often
- Carry hand sanitizer
- Pack a basic first aid kit
- Know where to find medical care at your destination
- Consider travel health insurance
Common Questions About Travel Vaccines
Can I Get All Vaccines on the Same Day?
Yes, all vaccines can be administered on the same day, except if you are considering administering multiple live, attenuated parenteral vaccines, then I would try to space these doses at least 4 weeks apart.
Do Vaccines Have Side Effects?
Most people have no problems with travel vaccines. Common mild side effects include:
- Sore arm where you got the shot
- Low fever
- Feeling tired
Serious side effects are very rare.
How Long Do Travel Vaccines Last?
- Yellow fever: Lifetime protection
- Hepatitis A: 20+ years
- Hepatitis B: Lifetime protection
- Typhoid: 2-3 years
- Japanese encephalitis: 2-3 years
What If I Have Health Problems?
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Weak immune system
- Allergies to vaccines
- Pregnancy
- Chronic illnesses
Some vaccines might not be safe for you, but your doctor can find alternatives.
Planning Your Vaccine Timeline
8-12 Weeks Before Travel
- Research your destination’s vaccine requirements
- Make an appointment with a travel doctor
- Start vaccines that need multiple doses
4-6 Weeks Before Travel
- Get remaining vaccines
- Fill malaria prevention prescriptions
- Update your routine vaccines
2-4 Weeks Before Travel
- Make sure all vaccines are complete
- Get copies of your vaccination records
- Pack your yellow fever card if needed
1 Week Before Travel
- Start malaria pills if prescribed
- Pack your health kit
- Review food and water safety tips
Resources for More Information
Government Resources
- CDC Travel Health website – destination-specific advice
- State Department travel advisories – safety information
- CDC’s TravWell app to get recommended vaccines, a checklist to help prepare for travel, and a personalized packing list
Local Pharmacy Services
For residents in Glen Ellyn and surrounding areas, VillageRx offers comprehensive vaccination services, including:
We also serve patients in Naperville, Wheaton, Lombard, and other DuPage County locations.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right vaccines before you travel is one of the smartest things you can do for your health. While it might seem like a hassle, spending a little time and money on vaccines can save you from serious illness during your trip.
Remember the key points:
- Start planning 4-6 weeks before your trip
- Get your routine vaccines updated first
- Research what’s required vs. recommended for your destination
- Don’t forget about malaria prevention if you’re going to risk areas
- Consider getting vaccines at your local pharmacy for convenience
The world is full of amazing places to explore. With the right vaccines, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about getting sick. Contact us if you have questions about travel vaccines or need help planning your vaccination schedule.