Arkansas: Your Gateway to International Travel Health
A complete guide for Arkansas-based travelers preparing for international trips — vaccines, regulations, clinics, and expert resources across the Natural State.
Arkansas & International Travel Health
Arkansas, the Natural State, is a place of stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes, rich Delta heritage, and thriving communities spanning Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro. While Arkansas may be best known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventure, tens of thousands of Arkansans travel internationally each year — for business, missions, family visits, military deployment, and global study. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock anchors the state's academic medical expertise, and travelers across the state connect to international flights primarily through Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Bentonville/Fayetteville, or nearby hubs in Memphis, Dallas, and St. Louis.
For U.S. travelers heading abroad, understanding Arkansas' 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 Arkansas for Travelers
Arkansas' travel health infrastructure is anchored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) — the state's only academic medical center — which provides the primary academic infectious disease and travel medicine expertise in Little Rock. Alongside UAMS, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville serve Arkansas' internationally active residents. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) operates a statewide network of county health units providing routine and travel immunizations at accessible costs across all 75 counties.
State Health Authority
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) oversees immunization regulations through its Immunization Program. It maintains the Arkansas Immunization Program System (AIPS) and certifies yellow fever vaccination providers across the state. The ADH also directly operates a statewide network of county health units providing travel vaccines.
Academic Travel Medicine
The UAMS Travel Medicine Clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock is the state's primary academic travel health resource, staffed by UAMS College of Medicine infectious disease and travel medicine specialists. It offers comprehensive pre-travel consultations and the full range of travel vaccines including yellow fever.
Private Travel Clinics
Passport Health operates a CDC-certified travel vaccine clinic in Little Rock. This location is a designated yellow fever immunization center serving Central Arkansas and the broader state, carrying a broad inventory of travel vaccines including Japanese encephalitis, rabies pre-exposure, typhoid, and meningococcal vaccines.
Vaccine Regulations in Arkansas
Arkansas' vaccine regulations are governed primarily by Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-18-702 (school immunization law) and Arkansas Department of Health regulations, administered by the ADH Immunization Program. Here is what travelers — and parents of young travelers — need to understand.
School Entry Requirements
Under Arkansas law (A.C.A. § 6-18-702), every child attending a public or private school or licensed childcare facility must present proof of required immunizations. Required vaccines include DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A. Children entering 6th grade must additionally have the Tdap booster and MenACWY. The ADH issues an official Certificate of Immunization Compliance that must accompany each enrolled child.
Exemptions Permitted
Arkansas grants exemptions for medical and religious grounds. A religious exemption requires a signed written statement by the parent or guardian submitted annually to the school or childcare provider. Medical exemptions require a licensed physician's written certificate. Arkansas eliminated philosophical (non-religious) exemptions via Act 811 of 2021, meaning only medical and sincerely held religious belief exemptions are now accepted.
Higher Education
Arkansas' public universities — including the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), UAMS, Arkansas State University, and the University of Central Arkansas — encourage or require certain vaccinations for enrolled students. MenACWY and MMR are commonly required for students living in on-campus housing. Students participating in University of Arkansas or Arkansas State study abroad programs are typically required to complete destination-specific travel health preparation before departure.
Routine Vaccines for Children in Arkansas
Arkansas' childhood immunization schedule follows the CDC/ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended schedule. The ADH Immunization Program actively promotes adherence to the schedule and operates the AIPS registry to help healthcare providers track and close immunization gaps across all 75 counties.
| 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 before departure |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | 2 doses: 12–15 months & 4–6 years | Required for Arkansas 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 in Asia and Africa |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A virus | 2 doses starting at 12–23 months | Required for AR school/childcare entry; high priority for travel to areas with poor sanitation |
| 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 | Protects against pneumonia globally — relevant for all international trips |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrheal disease | 2–3 doses by 8 months | Particularly relevant when traveling to developing countries |
| 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); AR 6th-grade requirement |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus / cervical cancer | 2–3 doses starting at age 11–12 | ADH actively promotes HPV vaccination — Arkansas has historically elevated cervical cancer rates, making this especially important |
| 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 Arkansas
📍 Arkansas 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 ADH 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 ADH county health units statewide. Note that flu seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere — timing matters for international 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, Kroger Pharmacy, and ADH county health units across Arkansas. 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 — particularly relevant for University of Arkansas, UAMS, and Arkansas State University students traveling internationally through study abroad programs.
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 Arkansas. 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 | Arkansas has certified YF vaccination centers in Little Rock (UAMS and Passport Health); requires ICVP Yellow Card stamp |
| Typhoid | Recommended | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America | Oral or injectable; available at UAMS Travel Medicine and Passport Health Little Rock |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended | Rural Asia, Southeast Asia | 2-dose series; available at UAMS Travel Medicine and Passport Health Little Rock |
| 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 Arkansas travel clinics |
Main Travel Health & Vaccine Centers in Arkansas
Arkansas residents have access to travel health services anchored by UAMS and a growing network of regional providers. Below are the principal facilities providing travel health services and vaccinations across the Natural State, as listed by the ADH and verified travel health sources.
Little Rock / Central Arkansas
4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-7000 | Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The leading travel health clinic in Arkansas, staffed by UAMS College of Medicine infectious disease and travel medicine specialists at the state's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. All vaccines stocked on site. Offers individualized pre- and post-travel consultations, tropical disease diagnosis, malaria prophylaxis prescriptions, and expert health guidance for all international destinations. Accepts most major insurance plans and serves patients from across the state.
10816 Executive Center Dr, Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 228-6100 / 1-888-909-6551
Arkansas' primary CDC-designated yellow fever immunization center, carrying a wide inventory of travel vaccines with itinerary-specific consultation services. Conveniently located in West Little Rock, close to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. The most accessible dedicated travel clinic for Central and Southern Arkansas travelers.
9601 Baptist Health Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205 | (501) 202-2000
Baptist Health Medical Center infectious disease and travel health consultation services at Arkansas' largest private hospital. Contact directly to confirm travel vaccine availability and appointment requirements.
4815 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 | (501) 280-4500
ADH county health unit travel vaccine clinic offering required and recommended international travel vaccinations at accessible costs. The most affordable option for Medicaid-enrolled and uninsured travelers in the Little Rock area. Appointment required.
Fayetteville / Bentonville – Northwest Arkansas
3215 N North Hills Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 463-1000
The primary travel health resource for Northwest Arkansas — serving Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and the rapidly growing metro corridor home to Walmart global headquarters, Tyson Foods, and a large international business community. Travel vaccines including yellow fever available by appointment. Contact to confirm current vaccine availability.
1411 W Maple Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 521-7500
State public health travel vaccine clinic serving Washington County and the greater Fayetteville/Bentonville corridor. An affordable option for Medicaid-enrolled and uninsured travelers. Contact to confirm travel vaccine availability. Appointment required.
Fort Smith / River Valley
7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 314-6000
Mercy Hospital travel health and infectious disease consultation services for Fort Smith, Sebastian County, and the broader River Valley and Oklahoma border region. Travel vaccines available by appointment. Contact to confirm current availability.
Jonesboro / Northeast Arkansas & the Delta
4800 E Johnson Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 932-6001
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital travel health services for Northeast Arkansas and the Delta region — serving Jonesboro, Paragould, and surrounding communities. Travelers in far Northeast Arkansas near Memphis may also conveniently access travel clinics across the state line in Tennessee. Contact to confirm vaccine availability and appointment requirements.
Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Arkansas Travelers
Follow this step-by-step timeline to ensure you are properly protected before departing from Arkansas on an international trip.
| Timeframe | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ Weeks Before | Book a travel health consultation | Contact UAMS Travel Medicine, Passport Health Little Rock, Washington Regional (NW AR), or your ADH county health unit. Research destination vaccine requirements at CDC Travelers' Health. Book early — specialist capacity is more limited than in larger states. |
| 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. Confirm your departure airport — Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas National, or a connecting hub in Memphis, Dallas, or St. Louis. |
| On Return | Monitor for illness symptoms | If you develop fever, rash, diarrhea, or unusual symptoms within weeks of return, contact UAMS Infectious Disease immediately and mention your travel history and destinations. |
Ready to Travel from Arkansas?
Start your travel health preparation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Arkansas' clinics — led by UAMS Travel Medicine and Passport Health Little Rock — 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.