Nevada: Your Gateway to International Travel Health
A complete guide for Nevada-based travelers preparing for international trips — vaccines, regulations, clinics, and expert resources across the Silver State.
Nevada & International Travel Health
Nevada — the Silver State — is one of the most globally connected states in the American West. Home to Las Vegas, the world's entertainment capital, and Reno, the "Biggest Little City in the World," Nevada residents and visitors alike maintain deep international travel links spanning Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. With a rapidly growing population across the Las Vegas Valley, the Reno-Sparks metro, and the rural communities of Carson City, Elko, and Henderson, Nevada has developed robust travel health infrastructure to serve both its own outbound travelers and the millions of international visitors who arrive each year.
Whether you are departing from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) — one of the busiest airports in the United States — or Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), your pre-travel health preparation starts at home in Nevada. This guide covers state vaccine regulations, routine immunization priorities, travel-specific vaccines, and the principal clinics and hospitals providing expert travel medicine services from Las Vegas to Reno and across the Silver State.
Healthcare in Nevada for Travelers
Nevada's travel health ecosystem is anchored by two major metropolitan health systems. In Southern Nevada, University Medical Center (UMC) — Nevada's only Level I Trauma Center and the academic medical center affiliated with UNLV School of Medicine — provides the state's most comprehensive infectious disease and travel medicine services. In Northern Nevada, Renown Health serves Reno-Sparks. Both metros are further supported by the Southern Nevada Health District and Washoe County Health District, and by private travel vaccine providers including Passport Health.
State Health Authority
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) Immunization Program, oversees vaccine policy, maintains the Nevada WebIZ immunization registry, and administers Yellow Fever Vaccination Center certification across the state under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 392 and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 392.
Academic & Regional Medical Centers
University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas is Nevada's flagship public hospital and academic medical center, providing the most comprehensive infectious disease consultation service in Southern Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno serves as Northern Nevada's primary Level II Trauma and regional referral center for travel medicine and post-travel illness.
Private Travel Clinics
Passport Health operates CDC-certified Yellow Fever vaccination clinics in both Las Vegas and Reno, providing destination-specific travel vaccine consultations for all traveler types. The Southern Nevada Health District (Clark County) and Washoe County Health District also offer travel immunization services at their respective public health clinics.
Vaccine Regulations in Nevada
Nevada's school immunization requirements are established under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 392 and the associated Nevada Administrative Code (NAC). Here is what travelers — and parents of young travelers — need to understand about Nevada's vaccine regulations.
School Entry Requirements
Under Nevada law, children entering school must be vaccinated against DTaP/Tdap, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and MenACWY (at 7th grade entry). Nevada added Hepatitis A to the required schedule in 2019 — a vaccine especially important for international travelers — making it one of the more forward-looking school immunization frameworks in the West.
Exemptions Permitted
Nevada grants exemptions for medical and religious grounds under NRS 392.435 and NRS 392.437. Medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed health care provider. Religious exemptions require a written statement of religious belief submitted to the school. Philosophical or personal belief exemptions are not recognized under Nevada law, placing Nevada among states with stronger vaccine compliance requirements.
International Entry Requirements
Nevada itself imposes no vaccine mandates for residents traveling abroad or for general businesses. However, destination countries may have their own legally binding entry requirements. Yellow fever vaccination proof (via the ICVP Yellow Card) is required for entry into many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America regardless of departure state. Always check the official requirements of your destination well before departure.
Routine Vaccines for Children in Nevada
Nevada's childhood immunization schedule follows the CDC/ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended schedule. The Nevada DPBH Immunization Program actively promotes on-schedule vaccination, with particular emphasis on Hepatitis A — which Nevada added to required school vaccines in 2019 — giving Nevada children a head start on protection for international travel compared to children in many other states.
| 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 outbreaks occur globally; confirm current status before travel |
| Polio (IPV) | Poliomyelitis | 4 doses by age 4–6 | Some countries require proof of polio vaccination for entry or exit |
| MMR | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 2 doses: 12–15 months & 4–6 years | Measles is endemic in many travel destinations; confirm 2 doses before any trip |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | 2 doses: 12–15 months & 4–6 years | Required for Nevada school entry; immunity is important during international travel |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B virus | 3-dose series: birth, 1–2 months, 6–18 months | Particularly important for destinations in Asia and Africa with high HBV prevalence |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A virus | 2 doses starting at 12–23 months | Required for Nevada school entry since 2019; critical for most international destinations |
| Hib | Haemophilus influenzae type b | 3–4 doses by 15 months | Standard childhood protection; confirm up to date before international travel |
| PCV (Pneumococcal) | Pneumococcal disease, pneumonia | 4 doses by 15 months | Protects against serious pneumonia, which is a significant risk in developing countries |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrheal disease | 2–3 doses by 8 months | Particularly relevant for travel to areas with poor sanitation and water quality |
| MenACWY (Meningococcal) | Meningococcal disease A, C, W, Y | 11–12 years; booster at 16 — required at 7th grade in NV | Required for Africa's meningitis belt travel and Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah) |
| HPV | Human Papillomavirus / cervical cancer | 2–3 doses starting at age 11–12 | Stay on schedule regardless of travel; recommended through age 26 |
| Influenza | Seasonal influenza | Annually from 6 months of age | Flu seasons differ by hemisphere; annual update important for international travelers |
| COVID-19 | COVID-19 | From 6 months; updated annually | 2024–2025 updated vaccine recommended by CDC; some destinations may require documentation |
Routine Vaccines for Adults in Nevada
📍 Nevada Travel Health Centers & Major Hospitals
Click any marker to view details and get Google Maps directions. Orange = Travel Health Clinic | Blue = Major Hospital
Childhood vaccine series protection can wane significantly in adults, and adult travelers face unique risks based on their specific destinations and activities. The Nevada DPBH and CDC recommend reviewing and updating the following vaccines for all adults — particularly before any international trip.
Td / Tdap Booster
Every adult should receive a Td booster every 10 years. Adults who never received Tdap as an adolescent should substitute one Td dose with Tdap. Tetanus exposure risk is higher in many travel destinations, especially for adventure travelers and those visiting rural areas.
Every 10 yearsInfluenza (Annual)
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all adults 6 months and older. The 2024–2025 updated vaccine is widely available at Las Vegas and Reno pharmacies, Southern Nevada Health District clinics, and Washoe County Health District facilities. Flu seasons reverse in the Southern Hemisphere — timing matters for international travel.
AnnualCOVID-19 (Updated)
The 2024–2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults. Available at pharmacies, health district clinics, and medical centers across Las Vegas and Reno. Some destinations may still require documentation of vaccination status for entry or transit purposes.
Updated annuallyHepatitis A & B
Adults not vaccinated as children should complete the Hepatitis A (2-dose) and Hepatitis B (3-dose) series before international travel. Both are high priority for destinations throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe where contaminated food, water, and blood-borne exposure risk is elevated.
Catch-up seriesMeningococcal
MenACWY is recommended for adults at risk and is legally required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and strongly recommended for travel through sub-Saharan Africa's meningitis belt. MenB (serogroup B) is recommended for adults at increased risk and some younger travelers.
Risk-basedPneumococcal & Shingles
Adults 50 and older should receive Shingrix (shingles vaccine) as a 2-dose series. Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20) are recommended for all adults 65+ and younger adults with specific health conditions. These protect against serious infections that can be particularly dangerous when traveling internationally.
Age 50+The Three Categories of Travel Vaccines
Travel vaccines fall into three distinct categories. Understanding each is essential for any Nevada traveler preparing for an international trip. 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 | Nevada has CDC-certified YF centers in Las Vegas (Passport Health, SNHD) and Reno; ICVP Yellow Card required |
| Typhoid | Recommended | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America | Oral or injectable; available at Passport Health Las Vegas/Reno and SNHD/Washoe County clinics |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended | Rural Asia, Southeast Asia | 2-dose series; confirm vaccine availability with your Las Vegas or Reno travel clinic in advance |
| Rabies (pre-exposure) | Recommended | Asia, Africa, Latin America (remote areas) | 3-dose series; advisable for adventure travelers, missionaries, and those working with animals |
| Cholera (Vaxchora) | Recommended | Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, Haiti | Single oral dose for adults; confirm availability with your Nevada travel clinic before scheduling |
| Meningococcal ACWY | Required / Recommended | Meningitis Belt (Africa), Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah) | Required for Hajj; strongly recommended for all sub-Saharan Africa travel itineraries |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | Developing countries worldwide | Nevada school children vaccinated since 2019 — adults who missed childhood vaccination should catch up before travel |
| Malaria Prophylaxis | Prescription Rx | Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, Central America | Not a vaccine — prescription medication available from Nevada travel clinics and UMC infectious disease |
Main Travel Health & Vaccine Centers in Nevada
Nevada's travel health resources are concentrated in two major metro areas — Las Vegas (Clark County) and Reno-Sparks (Washoe County) — with statewide support through county health departments. Below are the principal facilities providing travel health services and vaccinations across the Silver State.
Las Vegas / Southern Nevada
1800 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 383-2000 | By appointment
University Medical Center is Nevada's academic medical center, affiliated with UNLV School of Medicine, and the state's only Level I Trauma Center. Its Infectious Disease department provides comprehensive pre-travel and post-travel consultations for travelers with complex itineraries or medical histories, tropical disease diagnosis, malaria prophylaxis prescriptions, and complete travel vaccine administration. The premier resource for Southern Nevada's international travelers.
3470 E Russell Rd, Suite 116, Las Vegas, NV 89120
(702) 597-8690
CDC-designated Yellow Fever immunization center with full travel vaccine inventory. Destination-specific consultations for business travelers, leisure travelers, missionaries, study abroad students, and all other traveler types. Extended hours often available for the Las Vegas market.
280 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107 | (702) 759-0850
Clark County's public health authority serves approximately 2.3 million residents across the Las Vegas Valley. The SNHD offers travel immunizations including Yellow Fever certification, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and meningococcal vaccines at public health pricing. Appointment required. An excellent affordable option for uninsured or underinsured Nevada travelers.
Henderson / South Las Vegas Valley
10624 S Eastern Ave, Suite 101, Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 930-1184 | By appointment
Convenient CDC-certified travel vaccine clinic serving Henderson, Green Valley, Summerlin South, and the rapidly growing southern Las Vegas Valley. Full range of travel vaccines and destination consultation services available with appointment.
102 E Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89015 | (702) 616-5000
Primary hospital serving Henderson and the South Las Vegas Valley. Emergency care and post-travel illness evaluation available. Contact for specialist referrals for travel-acquired illness presentations.
Reno-Sparks / Northern Nevada
75 Pringle Way, Suite 702, Reno, NV 89502
(775) 982-5000 | By appointment
Northern Nevada's leading hospital-based travel medicine program. Renown Regional Medical Center is Northern Nevada's largest health system and Level II Trauma Center, with an infectious disease department that handles pre-travel consultations, post-travel illness, and travel vaccine administration for Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe, the Nevada-California border region, and surrounding Northern Nevada communities.
6490 S McCarran Blvd, Suite D44, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 329-7428
CDC-designated Yellow Fever vaccination center serving Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and the greater Northern Nevada/Lake Tahoe region. Full travel vaccine menu with destination-specific consultation available by appointment.
1001 E 9th St, Reno, NV 89512 | (775) 328-2427
Public health immunization services for the Reno-Sparks metro (Washoe County), including travel vaccines at affordable public health pricing. Contact to confirm available travel vaccines and appointment requirements.
Carson City & Rural Nevada
1600 Medical Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703
(775) 445-8000 | 24/7 Emergency
Primary hospital serving Nevada's state capital, Carson City, and surrounding Douglas and Lyon counties. Travel vaccine services available through hospital clinical programs — contact directly to confirm availability and appointment requirements. Carson City travelers may also access Reno's Passport Health or Renown Health for more comprehensive travel health services.
Pre-Travel Health Checklist for Nevada Travelers
Follow this step-by-step timeline to ensure you are fully protected before departing from Nevada on an international trip.
| Timeframe | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ Weeks Before | Book a travel health consultation | Contact Passport Health Las Vegas/Henderson/Reno, UMC Infectious Disease, Renown Health, or Southern Nevada / Washoe County Health Districts. Research destination vaccine requirements at CDC Travelers' Health. |
| At Your Visit | Bring your vaccination records | Receive required and recommended vaccines for your destination. Get prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis if needed. Request your ICVP Yellow Card if yellow fever vaccination is required for your destination country. |
| Follow-Up Visits | Complete multi-dose series | Rabies pre-exposure (3 doses), Hepatitis A (2 doses if unvaccinated), and Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses) each require multiple appointments spaced weeks apart. Build this time into your pre-travel schedule. |
| 1–2 Weeks Before | Confirm all travel health documents | Verify your ICVP (Yellow Card) is correctly stamped, signed, and dated with the approved stamp. Pack a travel health kit: oral rehydration salts (ORS), antidiarrheal medication, DEET insect repellent (30%+), sunscreen, and any prescription medications. |
| On Return | Monitor for illness symptoms | If you develop fever, rash, persistent diarrhea, or unusual symptoms within weeks of returning to Nevada, contact UMC Infectious Disease (Las Vegas) or Renown Health (Reno) immediately and provide your full travel history and destination details. |
Ready to Travel from Nevada?
Whether you're departing from Harry Reid International or Reno-Tahoe, start your travel health preparation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Nevada's travel health providers are ready to protect you for wherever in the world your next 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.