Louisiana: Your Gateway to International Travel Health
A complete guide for Louisiana-based travelers preparing for international trips — vaccines, regulations, clinics, and expert resources across the state.
Louisiana & International Travel Health
Louisiana, the Pelican State, is a vibrant crossroads of cultures, languages, and global connections — a legacy of its French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean heritage that continues to make it one of the most internationally oriented states in the South. From the world-famous streets of New Orleans to the petrochemical corridors of Baton Rouge and the port city of Lake Charles, Louisianans travel internationally in large numbers for business, culture, and family. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves as the state's primary international gateway, while Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Shreveport Regional Airport, and Lafayette Regional Airport offer additional departure options.
For U.S. travelers heading abroad, understanding Louisiana'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 Louisiana for Travelers
Louisiana offers a rich and growing network of pre-travel healthcare resources. The state is served by Tulane University School of Medicine — home to one of the nation's most respected tropical medicine programs — alongside LSU Health Sciences Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport, Ochsner Health, and a network of private travel health clinics that together make it straightforward for Louisiana residents to obtain the vaccinations and expert consultations needed before any international trip.
State Health Authority
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) oversees immunization regulations through its Immunization Program. It maintains the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide (LINKS) registry and certifies yellow fever vaccination providers across the state.
Academic Travel Medicine
The Tulane Travel Medicine Clinic in New Orleans is Louisiana's premier academic travel health resource, staffed by Tulane University School of Medicine infectious disease and tropical medicine specialists — a department with deep roots in international and tropical disease research going back over a century.
Private Travel Clinics
Passport Health operates CDC-certified travel vaccine clinics in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Both locations are designated yellow fever immunization centers and carry a broad inventory of travel vaccines including Japanese encephalitis, rabies pre-exposure, typhoid, and meningococcal vaccines.
Vaccine Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana's vaccine regulations are governed primarily by the Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S.) § 17:170 (school immunization law) and rules administered by the Louisiana Department of Health. Here is what travelers — and parents of young travelers — need to understand.
School Entry Requirements
Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 17:170), 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. Louisiana's school immunization requirements are among the most comprehensive in the South.
Exemptions Permitted
Louisiana grants exemptions for medical and religious grounds. A religious exemption requires a written statement by the parent or guardian, submitted to the school or childcare facility. Medical exemptions require a licensed physician's written certificate. Louisiana also permits exemptions when the required vaccine is not available in the state at the time. All exemptions are accepted in lieu of the standard Certificate of Immunization.
Higher Education
Louisiana's public universities — including LSU, Tulane, Loyola, and the University of New Orleans — encourage or require certain vaccinations for enrolled students, particularly those living in on-campus housing. MenACWY and Hepatitis B are commonly required for students in residence halls. Students participating in LSU, Tulane, or Loyola study abroad programs are typically required to complete destination-specific travel health preparation.
Routine Vaccines for Children in Louisiana
Louisiana's childhood immunization schedule follows the CDC/ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended schedule. The LDH Immunization Program actively promotes adherence to the schedule and operates the LINKS registry to help healthcare providers track and close immunization gaps across all 64 parishes.
| 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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); LA 6th-grade requirement |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus / cervical cancer | 2–3 doses starting at age 11–12 | LDH actively promotes HPV vaccination through school outreach programs 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 Louisiana
📍 Louisiana 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 LDH 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 LDH parish 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, Winn-Dixie Pharmacy, and LDH parish health units across Louisiana. 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 LSU, Tulane, and Loyola 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 Louisiana. 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 | Louisiana has certified YF vaccination centers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge; requires ICVP Yellow Card stamp |
| Typhoid | Recommended | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America | Oral or injectable; available at all major Louisiana travel clinics |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended | Rural Asia, Southeast Asia | 2-dose series; available at Tulane Travel Medicine and Passport Health locations |
| 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 Louisiana travel clinics |
Main Travel Health & Vaccine Centers in Louisiana
Louisiana residents have access to world-class 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 LDH and verified travel health sources.
New Orleans
1415 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 988-5199 | Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The leading travel health clinic in Louisiana, staffed by Tulane University School of Medicine infectious disease and tropical medicine specialists. Tulane's Department of Tropical Medicine has over 100 years of history and is internationally recognized for its research and clinical expertise. All vaccines stocked on site. Offers individualized pre- and post-travel consultations, tropical disease diagnosis, malaria prophylaxis prescriptions, and expert health guidance for complex international itineraries.
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 1740, Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 834-7760 / 1-888-909-6551
A CDC-designated yellow fever immunization center carrying a wide inventory of travel vaccines. Itinerary-specific consultations available. Conveniently located in Metairie, close to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121 | (504) 842-3200
Ochsner Health travel medicine and infectious disease consultation services at Louisiana's largest private hospital campus. Full travel vaccine services available by appointment.
2021 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 568-4800
LSU Health Sciences Center travel medicine and infectious disease consultation services. Academic tropical medicine expertise complementing Tulane's resources for the New Orleans international travel community.
Baton Rouge / Capital Region
8555 United Plaza Blvd, Suite 102, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 924-0707
Serving Greater Baton Rouge, the Capital Region, and Acadiana. Full inventory of travel vaccines with destination-specific consultation services. Conveniently located near the I-10 / I-12 interchange serving the entire Central Louisiana corridor.
5000 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 765-6565
Infectious disease and travel health consultation services at Louisiana's largest hospital by bed count and the Capital Region's Level I trauma center. Contact directly to confirm travel vaccine availability and appointment requirements.
Shreveport / North Louisiana
2600 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103
(318) 212-4000
Willis-Knighton Health System travel health services for North Louisiana and the broader ArkLaTex tri-state region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas). Full travel vaccine services including yellow fever. Contact for appointment availability.
1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103
(318) 675-5000
LSU Health Shreveport travel medicine and infectious disease services at North Louisiana's Level I trauma center. Academic medical expertise for North Louisiana and ArkLaTex travelers. Contact directly to confirm travel vaccine appointments.
Acadiana / Lafayette
1214 Coolidge Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 289-7991
Lafayette General Medical Center infectious disease and travel health consultation services for Acadiana and South-Central Louisiana. Contact directly to confirm travel vaccine availability. Acadiana travelers also have access to the Baton Rouge Passport Health and New Orleans Tulane clinics within a 1–2 hour drive.
Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Louisiana Travelers
Follow this step-by-step timeline to ensure you are properly protected before departing from Louisiana on an international trip.
| Timeframe | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ Weeks Before | Book a travel health consultation | Contact Tulane Travel Medicine, Passport Health, Ochsner, or your LDH parish health unit. 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. Confirm departure airport — Louis Armstrong New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, or Lafayette. |
| On Return | Monitor for illness symptoms | If you develop fever, rash, diarrhea, or unusual symptoms within weeks of return, contact Tulane Travel Medicine or Ochsner Infectious Disease immediately and mention your travel history and destinations. |
Ready to Travel from Louisiana?
Start your travel health preparation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Louisiana's clinics — including the world-renowned Tulane Tropical Medicine program — 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.