Travel Vaccines: What You Need Before You Go

When you’re planning a trip abroad, travel vaccines, injections given to prevent diseases common in other countries. Also known as immunizations for travelers, they’re not just paperwork—they’re your first line of defense against illnesses like typhoid, yellow fever, or hepatitis A that you won’t encounter at home. Most people think they’re optional, but some countries require proof of vaccination just to enter. Others don’t require them—but if you skip them, you’re gambling with your health.

Not all travel vaccines are the same. Some, like yellow fever vaccine, a live virus shot required for entry into parts of Africa and South America, are mandatory and come with strict documentation rules. Others, like hepatitis A vaccine, a two-dose series that prevents liver infection from contaminated food or water, are strongly recommended but not legally required. Then there are routine shots—like tetanus or measles—that you might need a booster for if it’s been years since your last one. These aren’t "travel" vaccines by name, but they’re just as critical when you’re far from a hospital.

Timing matters. Most vaccines need weeks to become effective. Getting your typhoid vaccine, available as a shot or pill, and critical for travelers in South Asia or parts of Africa the day before you leave won’t help. Some, like the rabies pre-exposure series, require multiple visits over weeks. And don’t forget: if you’re pregnant, have a weak immune system, or take certain medications, some vaccines aren’t safe for you. That’s why you can’t just walk into a pharmacy and pick one up—you need personalized advice.

Side effects are usually mild—sore arm, low fever, fatigue—but they can be worse if you’re already tired or dehydrated. That’s why getting your shots early gives your body time to adjust before you hit the road. And while some people worry about "over-vaccinating," the truth is, the risks of skipping a vaccine far outweigh the risks of the shot itself. The CDC tracks outbreaks every year because people skip vaccines and end up sick in places where treatment is hard to find.

What you need depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and what you’ll be doing. A beach resort in Mexico? You’ll need hepatitis A and maybe typhoid. Trekking in rural Nepal? You’ll also need rabies and Japanese encephalitis. Traveling with kids? Their schedule is different, and some vaccines aren’t approved under age two. Even a short layover in a high-risk area can put you at risk if you eat street food or drink tap water.

There’s no one-size-fits-all list. But the good news? You don’t have to guess. The posts below break down exactly which vaccines matter for which destinations, what the real side effects look like, how to prepare your body before getting them, and what to do if you’re already overseas and realize you missed something. You’ll find real advice on how to talk to your doctor, what paperwork to bring, and why some vaccines cost more than others—not because they’re better, but because of how they’re made and regulated. This isn’t about fear. It’s about being ready.