What Do I Need to Know about Travel Vaccines?

What do international travelers need to know about vaccines?

For US-based travelers going abroad, the CDC offers a nifty drop down menu so you can check the country you're planning to visit to see if an immunization is recommended or required by that country before you're permitted entry. Some vaccines -- such as Yellow Fever -- may be mandatory for entry in certain countries.

Disclaimer Note: The following must not be considered medical advice. Follow up with the appropriate medical authorities in your jurisdiction related to the issues covered herein.

Note that some countries requiring immunizations may not allow entry if you can't produce documentation that proves you've been poked. Considering the cost of travel, it's not worth the risk of hoping nobody checks your immunization records.

The good news is, many of the vaccines required for travel to certain areas offer lasting immunity. The Yellow Fever vaccine, for instance, should offer lifelong immunity.

What Do I Need to Know About Travel Vaccines?

1. Check Requirements and Recommendations Early

   • It can take time to procure a vaccine in your area. Plan well ahead.

   • Different destinations have different vaccination requirements and recommendations. Check official sources like the CDC Travel Health Notices (for U.S.-based travelers) or your local equivalent.

2. Get Routine Vaccines Up to Date

   • Before focusing on travel-specific shots, make sure your routine immunizations (e.g., tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella, flu) are current.

   • This helps protect both you and the communities you visit.

3. Plan Ahead

   • Certain vaccines require multiple doses or need to be administered weeks in advance. Aim to schedule your travel clinic or doctor’s visit at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

   • Keep in mind some health facilities may have limited vaccine availability.

4. Mind the Paperwork

   1. Some countries require official vaccination certificates, especially for diseases like Yellow Fever. Carry originals and keep copies in a safe place.

   2. Digital documentation (if accepted) is handy, but it’s wise to have paper backups.

What Parents with Small Children Should Know About Travel Vaccinations

1. Keep Routine Vaccines Up to Date

   • Before focusing on travel-specific immunizations, ensure your child’s routine vaccines (e.g., DTaP, MMR, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, etc.) are fully current.

   • Staying on schedule not only helps protect your child but also the places you visit.

2. Plan Early, Especially for Infants

   • Some travel vaccines are age-restricted (e.g., certain vaccines aren't recommended or aren’t approved for very young infants).

   • Start talking to a pediatrician or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks (or more) before your trip to discuss eligibility and timing.

3. Ask Your Pediatrician About an Early Dose of Certain Vaccines Like Measles

   • For our upcoming trip to Europe, we got AJ an early dose of both the measles vaccine and the Hepatitis A vaccine, both of which are recommended for international travel. She will still need the regular doses of both when she turns 1, but she was able to get an early boost because of our travel plans.

4. Consider Special Health Factors

   • If your child has underlying health conditions or is immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider.

   • Some vaccines may need to be delayed or require special caution and individualized guidance.

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