The vaccines you need before an international trip depend on where you are going, your age, your health history, your past vaccines, and what you plan to do while you are away. Some vaccines are routine. Others are recommended or required for certain countries. A travel medicine provider can review your trip and help you know what vaccines, medicines, and safety steps may be right for you.

Why travel vaccines matter

International travel can bring you into contact with illnesses that are uncommon in the United States. Some illnesses spread through food, water, mosquito bites, close contact, or animal bites. Vaccines can lower your chance of getting some of these illnesses. They can also help protect your family, coworkers, and community when you return home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends checking vaccine guidance for your destination and seeing a healthcare professional or travel health specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave when possible. The Indiana Department of Health also encourages travelers to plan ahead because finding records and getting needed vaccines can take time.

How do I find out which vaccines I need?

The best way to find out is to match your travel plans with your health needs. A travel medicine visit often includes a review of your destination, travel dates, vaccine record, health conditions, medicines, allergies, and planned activities. This helps the provider give advice that fits your trip.

• Where you are going: Vaccine guidance can be different for each country and region.
• How long you will stay: A short city trip may have different risks than a long stay in a rural area.
• What you will do: Work, study, volunteering, hiking, mission travel, visiting family, or animal contact can change your needs.
• Your health: Pregnancy, immune system problems, age, or chronic illness can affect vaccine choices.
• Your vaccine history: You may need routine vaccines, boosters, or travel-specific vaccines.

What kinds of vaccines may travelers need?

Travel vaccines usually fall into three groups: routine vaccines, recommended travel vaccines, and vaccines that may be required for entry into certain countries.

Routine vaccines

Routine vaccines are vaccines recommended for people in the United States based on age and health needs. Examples may include flu, COVID-19, measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, polio, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis. You may already have some of these. A provider can help check whether you are up to date.

Recommended travel vaccines

Recommended travel vaccines depend on your destination and activities. Examples may include hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, meningococcal disease, or chikungunya. Not every traveler needs these vaccines. The right choice depends on your personal risk.

Required vaccines

Some countries may require proof of certain vaccines before entry. Yellow fever vaccine is one example. If yellow fever vaccine is required, it must be given by an authorized yellow fever vaccine center. You may also need a stamped vaccine certificate to show proof.

Common misunderstandings about travel vaccines

• “I only need vaccines if I am going somewhere remote.” Some risks can happen in cities too. Your destination, activities, and health all matter.
• “If a vaccine is not required, I do not need it.” Required vaccines are not the same as recommended vaccines. A vaccine may be recommended even if it is not required for entry.
• “My regular shots are enough for every trip.” Routine vaccines are important, but some trips call for extra protection.
• “It is too late to ask if I leave soon.” It is better to ask, even close to travel. Some protection or advice may still be useful.

Cost, coverage, and access questions

Travel vaccine costs can vary. The cost may depend on the vaccine, the number of doses, the visit type, and your insurance plan. Some plans may cover certain vaccines. Others may not cover travel-related vaccines. Before your visit, you can ask your insurance plan and the clinic what costs may apply.

Helpful questions to ask include: “Do you carry the vaccines I may need?” “Do I need an appointment?” “What should I bring?” “What may my insurance cover?” and “What will I need to pay at the visit?” If you need language help or other support, ask before the appointment so the care team can tell you what options may be available.