Traveling to new countries can provide unforgettable experiences, but it can also put you at risk of catching infectious diseases. Travel vaccines can help protect you from certain diseases and keep you from bringing them back home. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to fight off germs that cause illnesses, and getting vaccinated before your trip can help stop the spread of outbreaks and epidemics. As we start to explore more opportunities for post-COVID travel, it’s important to consider travel health.
Which Travel Vaccines Do You Need?
When deciding which travel vaccines you need, there are several factors to consider:
- Destination: The types of illnesses and associated risks can vary depending on the country. Information and recommendations for your destination can be found on the CDC Travelers’ Health or WHO International Travel and Health websites, which are kept up-to-date. A Travel Medicine Specialist at a Travel Clinic should also have access to a specific database with this information.
- Itinerary: The type of activities you will be doing, the season and climate of your destination, and the duration of your trip, as well as the level of risk you may be exposed to. For instance, if you are traveling to Africa during the dry season (December through June), it may be recommended that you are up to date with your meningitis vaccine, since this is when meningitis is most common. Additionally, if you plan to work with animals during your trip, the rabies vaccine may be suggested.
- Health status: Your age, medical history, immunization status, allergies, pregnancy status, and current medications are also important to consider when deciding which vaccines you may need specifically for your trip. There may be vaccines you may not be able to get because you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system due to a chronic condition or medication or have an allergy to a component that is in a vaccine.
What are the common Travel Vaccines?
Not every general physician’s office may have specific travel vaccines, which is why it would be to your benefit to find a Travel Clinic near you to get evaluated before your trip. Most travel vaccines are not routinely given, so it would be best to see which ones you need to get before you go. Some may be recommended and others may be required, depending on your destination and itinerary.
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Rabies
- Cholera
- Polio boostser
- Meningitis
You should check the entry and exit requirements for your destination from reputable sources such as the CDC Travelers’ Health website or the WHO International Travel and Health website
before you travel. Check here to see where you can get the Yellow Fever Vaccine at a licensed clinic.
How Do You Get Travel Vaccines?
The best way to get travel vaccines is to visit a travel medicine clinic or see a doctor who specializes in travel medicine at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. They can provide you with:
- A pre-travel health assessment and risk evaluation
- A customized travel health plan that includes vaccines, medications, and preventive measures
- A travel health kit that contains essential items such as first aid supplies, insect repellent, sunscreen, water purification tablets, etc. at some clinics
- A post-travel health check-up and follow-up care if needed
You can find a travel medicine clinic or a doctor near you by searching online or asking your primary care provider for a referral. You can also visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website or the WHO International Travel and Health website for more information and resources on travel health and medicine.
How Much Do Travel Vaccines Cost?
The cost of travel vaccines depends on several factors such as:
- The type and number of vaccines that you need
- The provider and location where you get them
- The insurance coverage that you have
In general, travel vaccines can range from $10 to $400 per dose depending on the type of vaccine. Some providers may also charge additional fees for consultation, administration, or documentation. Some insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost of travel vaccines depending on your policy
and provider. Check with your insurance company before getting travel vaccines to find out what is covered and what is not covered.
Consider other costs associated with travel health such as medications, supplies, and or treatment that may arise during your trip. You should budget accordingly and plan ahead to avoid any financial surprises or difficulties.
