Michigan: Your Gateway to International Travel Health
A complete guide for Michigan-based travelers preparing for international trips — vaccines, regulations, clinics, and expert resources across the state.
Michigan & International Travel Health
Michigan, the Great Lakes State, spans two peninsulas surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and is home to a diverse, globally connected population anchored in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City. Michigan is also home to one of the premier travel medicine programs in the United States at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a strong network of hospital-based infectious disease and private travel vaccine clinics serving residents across both peninsulas.
Whether you are departing from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — one of the busiest hubs in the Midwest — Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Bishop International (FNT) in Flint, or Capital Region International (LAN) in Lansing, your travel health preparation starts at home in Michigan. This guide covers vaccine regulations, routine immunization priorities, travel-specific vaccines, and the main clinics providing expert travel medicine services across the state.
Healthcare in Michigan for Travelers
Michigan offers strong infrastructure for pre-travel healthcare preparation. The state is served by Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health), Henry Ford Health, Corewell Health, Beaumont, Sparrow, and a network of regional medical centers and public health departments that make it straightforward for residents across both peninsulas to obtain the vaccinations and consultations needed before international travel.
State Health Authority
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) oversees immunization regulations through its Immunization Program. It maintains the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) and coordinates yellow fever vaccination provider certification across the state under MCL 333.9201.
Academic Travel Medicine
The University of Michigan Travel Medicine Clinic in Ann Arbor is the premier academic travel health resource in Michigan, staffed by infectious disease and travel medicine specialists offering same-week appointments, full vaccine inventory, and tropical disease evaluation.
Private Travel Clinics
Passport Health operates multiple CDC-certified travel vaccine clinics across Michigan including Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, and Lansing area locations. All are designated yellow fever immunization centers carrying a broad inventory of travel vaccines.
Vaccine Regulations in Michigan
Michigan's vaccine regulations are governed by the Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978 (MCL 333.9201 et seq.) and rules of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Here is what travelers — and parents of young travelers — need to understand.
School Entry Requirements
Under Michigan law (MCL 333.9208), every child attending a public or private school in Michigan must present proof of required immunizations or a valid exemption. Required vaccines include DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, MenACWY (7th grade entry), and Tdap (6th grade entry).
Exemptions Permitted
Michigan permits medical and non-medical (religious/philosophical) exemptions. Non-medical exemptions require that parents complete an annual waiver education process at a local health department or online through the Michigan Online Immunization Waiver system before the exemption is accepted by the school.
No General Business Mandates
Michigan law does not impose general vaccine mandates on businesses or the public. For international travelers, the relevant entry vaccine obligations come from destination-country law — not Michigan regulations. Yellow fever documentation is a foreign government requirement.
Routine Vaccines for Children in Michigan
Michigan's childhood immunization schedule follows the CDC/ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended schedule. The MDHHS Immunization Program 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 Michigan 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 | Protects against serious pneumonia complications 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 at 7th grade in MI | Required for travel to Africa's meningitis belt & Saudi Arabia (Hajj) |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus / cervical cancer | 2–3 doses starting at age 11–12 | Routine preventive care should stay on schedule despite travel |
| 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 Michigan
📍 Michigan 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 MDHHS 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 MDHHS health departments statewide. Flu seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere — timing matters for international travel.
AnnualCOVID-19 (Updated)
The updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults 6 months and older. Available at CVS, Walgreens, and MDHHS health centers across Michigan. Some countries may still require documentation for entry or transit.
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 Michigan. 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 | Michigan has certified YF vaccination centers; requires ICVP Yellow Card stamp |
| Typhoid | Recommended | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America | Oral or injectable; available at U of M Travel Clinic and Passport Health locations |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended | Rural Asia, Southeast Asia | 2-dose series; stocked at U of M and Passport Health Michigan clinics |
| 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 Michigan travel clinics |
Main Travel Health & Vaccine Centers in Michigan
Michigan residents have access to top academic medical travel medicine programs, private travel vaccine clinics, and county public health services. Below are the principal facilities providing travel health services and vaccinations across the state.
Ann Arbor
1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 647-7665 | Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Michigan's most comprehensive academic travel medicine resource. Staffed by University of Michigan infectious disease and travel medicine specialists. Provides individualized pre- and post-travel consultations, tropical disease diagnosis, malaria prophylaxis prescriptions, and detailed travel health education. All vaccines stocked on site including Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Same-week appointments available.
Detroit Metro
2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 916-2600
Detroit's major academic health system travel medicine resource. Infectious disease specialists provide pre-travel risk assessment, vaccine administration, and post-travel evaluation for complex itineraries and tropical illnesses.
26211 Central Park Blvd, Suite 415, Southfield, MI 48076
(248) 827-3410
CDC-designated yellow fever immunization center serving the greater Detroit metro and Oakland County. Full inventory of travel vaccines with destination-specific itinerary consultation.
Grand Rapids / West Michigan
678 Front Ave NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 732-7400
CDC-designated yellow fever immunization center serving West Michigan travelers. Full travel vaccine menu with destination-specific consultation for all traveler types.
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 391-1774
Travel health consultations through Corewell Health's infectious disease department at Butterworth Hospital. West Michigan's Level I trauma center with full specialty services.
Lansing & Flint / Mid-Michigan
1-888-499-7277
Travel vaccine services for Mid-Michigan and Lansing metro travelers. Destination-specific vaccine counseling and documentation support including yellow fever certification.
5303 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48911 | (517) 887-4312
County public health travel immunization services for Lansing-area residents. Appointment required. Most affordable option for uninsured travelers and Medicaid recipients.
Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Michigan Travelers
Follow this step-by-step timeline to ensure you are properly protected before departing from Michigan on an international trip.
| Timeframe | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ Weeks Before | Book a travel health consultation | Contact University of Michigan Travel Medicine, Passport Health, Henry Ford Health, or your county health department. 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 University of Michigan Travel Medicine or Henry Ford Infectious Disease immediately and mention your travel history and destinations. |
Ready to Travel from Michigan?
Start your travel health preparation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Michigan's clinics — from the University of Michigan to Passport Health — 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.