Alabama: Your Gateway to International Travel Health
A complete guide for Alabama-based travelers preparing for international trips — vaccines, regulations, clinics, and expert resources across the state.
Alabama & International Travel Health
Alabama, the Heart of Dixie, is not only known for its Southern hospitality, rich history, and vibrant cities of Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile — it is also home to a growing network of world-class travel health services for the thousands of Alabamians who travel internationally each year. Whether you are flying out of Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, Huntsville International Airport, or Mobile Regional Airport, health preparation starts at home.
For U.S. travelers heading abroad, understanding Alabama's vaccine regulations, the routine immunization schedule, and where to find specialized travel medicine clinics is essential. This guide brings together everything you need to know before you board that international flight.
Healthcare in Alabama for Travelers
Alabama offers solid infrastructure for pre-travel healthcare preparation. The state is served by major academic medical centers, a network of county public health departments, and private travel health chains that collectively make it straightforward for residents to obtain the vaccinations and medical consultations needed before an international trip.
State Health Authority
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) oversees immunization regulations through its Immunization Division. It maintains the state immunization registry (ImmPRINT) and certifies yellow fever vaccination providers across the state.
Academic Travel Medicine
The UAB Travelers Health Clinic in Birmingham is the largest travel health clinic in the state, staffed by infectious disease and travel medicine specialists. It offers same-week appointments and stocks all vaccines on site for immediate administration.
Private Travel Clinics
Passport Health operates CDC-certified travel vaccine clinics in Birmingham and Huntsville. Both locations are designated yellow fever immunization centers and carry a broad inventory of travel vaccines including Japanese encephalitis and rabies.
Vaccine Regulations in Alabama
Alabama's vaccine regulations are governed primarily by the Code of Alabama, Title 16, Chapter 30 (school immunization law) and the Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 420-6-1, administered by the State Board of Health. Here is what travelers — and parents of young travelers — need to understand.
School Entry Requirements
Under Alabama law (Code §16-30-4), every child entering kindergarten through 12th grade in a public or private school must present a valid Certificate of Immunization (COI). Children entering kindergarten must have DTaP, Polio, MMR, and Varicella. Children entering 6th grade must additionally have the Tdap booster. This requirement does not apply to higher education institutions.
Exemptions Permitted
Alabama grants exemptions for medical and religious grounds. A Certificate of Religious Exemption is issued only in person at a county health department, where the parent or guardian must submit a written objection and receive education on non-immunization risks. Medical exemptions require a licensed physician's certificate. Both are accepted in lieu of a COI.
No Vaccine Mandates for Businesses
Alabama law (Code §22-11B-5) prohibits businesses from refusing goods or services based on a customer's immunization status. Businesses in Alabama cannot require proof of vaccination for entry or service. Educational institutions may only require vaccines that were already mandated as of January 1, 2021, and must allow medical and religious exemptions.
Routine Vaccines for Children in Alabama
Alabama's childhood immunization schedule follows the CDC/ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended schedule. The ADPH Immunization Division actively promotes adherence to the schedule, noting that children under age 5 are especially vulnerable because their immune systems have not yet built adequate defenses against vaccine-preventable diseases.
| Vaccine | Disease(s) Prevented | Typical Schedule | Notes for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP / Tdap | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis | 5 doses by age 6; Tdap booster at 11–12 | Pertussis cases are rising globally; confirm current status before travel |
| Polio (IPV) | Poliomyelitis | 4 doses by age 4–6 | Booster may be required for travel to polio-active countries |
| MMR | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 2 doses: 12–15 months & 4–6 years | Measles is endemic in many travel destinations; confirm 2 doses |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | 2 doses: 12–15 months & 4–6 years | Required for Alabama school entry; confirms protection abroad |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B virus | 3-dose series: birth, 1–2 months, 6–18 months | Especially important for destinations with high HBV prevalence |
| Hib | Haemophilus influenzae type b | 3–4 doses by 15 months | Standard childhood protection; confirm up to date before travel |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) | Pneumococcal disease, pneumonia | 4 doses by 15 months | Required under Alabama school law; protects against pneumonia globally |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrheal disease | 2–3 doses by 8 months | Particularly relevant when traveling to developing countries |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A virus | 2 doses starting at 12–23 months | High priority for travel to areas with poor sanitation |
| MenACWY (Meningococcal) | Meningococcal disease A, C, W, Y | 11–12 years; booster at 16 | Required for travel to Africa's meningitis belt & Saudi Arabia (Hajj) |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus / cervical cancer | 2–3 doses starting at age 11–12 | ADPH actively promotes via the "WIPE OUT HPV" initiative statewide |
| Influenza | Seasonal influenza | Annually from 6 months of age | Flu seasons differ by hemisphere; timing matters for international travel |
| COVID-19 | COVID-19 | From 6 months; updated annually | 2024–2025 updated vaccine recommended by CDC; some countries may require documentation |
Routine Vaccines for Adults in Alabama
📍 Alabama Travel Health Centers & Major Hospitals
Click any marker to view details and get Google Maps directions. Orange = Travel Health Clinic | Blue = Major Hospital
Vaccine protection from childhood series can wane over time, and adults face different risk profiles. The ADPH and CDC recommend a range of vaccines for adults on a routine basis — especially important to review and update before any international trip.
Td / Tdap Booster
Every adult should receive a Td booster every 10 years. If not vaccinated with Tdap as an adolescent, one Tdap dose should replace a Td dose. Particularly important for travelers to developing countries where wound exposure is higher.
Every 10 yearsInfluenza (Annual)
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for all adults. The 2024–2025 updated vaccine is available at pharmacies and ADPH health departments statewide. Note that flu seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere — timing matters for travel.
AnnualCOVID-19 (Updated)
The updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax) is recommended for all adults 6 months and older. Available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and county health departments across Alabama. Some countries may still require proof for entry.
Updated annuallyHepatitis A & B
Adults not vaccinated in childhood should complete the Hepatitis A (2-dose) and Hepatitis B (3-dose) series. Both are high priority for international travelers, especially those visiting areas with poor sanitation or high HBV prevalence.
Catch-up seriesMeningococcal
MenACWY is recommended for adults at risk and required for travelers to the meningitis belt of Africa and for Hajj/Umrah in Saudi Arabia. MenB is recommended for adults at increased risk and some college-age travelers.
Risk-basedPneumococcal & Shingles
Adults 50+ should receive the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) as a 2-dose series. Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20) are recommended for adults 65+ or younger adults with specific health conditions, providing protection against pneumonia globally.
Age 50+The Three Categories of Travel Vaccines
Travel vaccines fall into three distinct categories. Understanding the difference is essential when preparing for your trip from Alabama. Your travel health provider will assess all three during your pre-travel consultation.
| Travel Vaccine | Category | Key Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required | Sub-Saharan Africa, tropical South America | Alabama has certified YF vaccination centers; requires ICVP Yellow Card stamp |
| Typhoid | Recommended | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America | Oral or injectable; available at all major Alabama travel clinics |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended | Rural Asia, Southeast Asia | 2-dose series; available at Passport Health Birmingham and Huntsville |
| Rabies (pre-exposure) | Recommended | Asia, Africa, Latin America (remote areas) | 3-dose series; advisable for adventure travelers or those working with animals |
| Cholera (Vaxchora) | Recommended | Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, Haiti | Single oral dose for adults; confirm availability with your travel clinic |
| Meningococcal ACWY | Required / Recommended | Meningitis Belt (Africa), Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah) | Required for Hajj; strongly recommended for sub-Saharan Africa travel |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | Developing countries worldwide | High priority for most international destinations; 2-dose series |
| Malaria Prophylaxis | Prescription Rx | Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, Central America | Not a vaccine — prescription medication available from Alabama travel clinics |
Main Travel Health & Vaccine Centers in Alabama
Alabama residents have access to both academic medical centers and specialized private travel clinics. Below are the principal facilities providing travel health services and vaccinations across the state, as listed by the ADPH and verified travel health sources.
Birmingham
1201 11th Avenue South, Suite 502, Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 996-8728 | Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The largest travel health clinic in Alabama, staffed by infectious disease and travel medicine specialists. All vaccines are stocked on site. Offers same-week appointments for imminent departures. Provides individualized pre- and post-travel consultations, tropical disease diagnosis, malaria prophylaxis prescriptions, and detailed travel health education. Accepts Medicare and Medicaid.
4220 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35243
(205) 994-3152 / 1-888-909-6551
A CDC-designated yellow fever immunization center carrying a wide inventory of travel vaccines. Itinerary-specific consultations available. Conveniently located off Hwy 280 and I-459.
833 St. Vincent's Drive, POB III, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL | (205) 933-4685
ADPH-listed provider of required and recommended international travel vaccinations.
Huntsville / North Alabama
Located near Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, AL
(256) 798-3579
Serving the Huntsville and North Alabama region. Full inventory of travel vaccines with destination-specific consultation services.
travelerhealth.net
Specialized travel health clinic providing expert consultations tailored to the traveler's destination, itinerary, age, and health status. Offers routine, required, and recommended vaccines with detailed travel health guidance.
Mobile / South Alabama
Mastin Building, 2451 Fillingim Street, Suite 102, Mobile, AL
(251) 470-5890
Infectious disease specialists providing travel medicine consultations and vaccinations for South Alabama travelers. ADPH-listed international travel health provider.
305 North Water Street, Mobile, AL | (251) 433-3772
Offers travel health services as part of occupational health at Mobile Infirmary. Contact directly to confirm travel vaccine availability and appointment requirements.
Sheffield / Shoals Area
1300 South Montgomery Avenue, Suite 150-D, Sheffield, AL
(256) 386-4433
ADPH-listed travel vaccine provider serving the Shoals region of North Alabama. Contact to confirm current vaccine availability and appointment requirements.
Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Alabama Travelers
Follow this step-by-step timeline to ensure you are properly protected before departing from Alabama on an international trip.
| Timeframe | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ Weeks Before | Book a travel health consultation | Contact UAB, Passport Health, or your county health dept. Research destination vaccine requirements at CDC Travelers' Health. |
| At Your Visit | Bring your vaccination records | Receive required and recommended vaccines. Get prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis if needed. Request your Yellow Card if yellow fever is required for your destination. |
| Follow-Up Visits | Complete multi-dose series | Rabies pre-exposure (3 doses), Hepatitis A (2 doses), and Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses) require multiple visits spaced weeks apart. |
| 1–2 Weeks Before | Confirm all travel health documents | Ensure your ICVP (Yellow Card) is properly stamped, signed, and dated. Pack a travel health kit: ORS packets, antidiarrheal medication, insect repellent (DEET 30%+), sunscreen. |
| On Return | Monitor for illness symptoms | If you develop fever, rash, diarrhea, or unusual symptoms within weeks of return, contact UAB Travelers Health Clinic immediately and mention your travel history and destinations. |
Ready to Travel from Alabama?
Start your travel health preparation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Alabama's clinics are ready to protect you for wherever your journey takes you.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized travel health advice. Information current as of 2025–2026.