Know Before You Go

17 Essential Travel Vaccines

Health First, Travel Next — Your Complete Pre-Travel Immunization Guide

Before You Travel

Vaccines are your first and most important layer of protection when traveling internationally. The right vaccines depend on your destination, trip duration, planned activities, age, and personal health history.

Tap any vaccine title to expand full details. Always consult a qualified travel medicine physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

17 Vaccines Covering all major travel-related and routine immunisations
Start 4–6 Weeks Early Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks
Reliable Advice All information aligned with CDC, WHO, and ACIP guidelines
Pregnancy Notes Each vaccine includes guidance for pregnant travelers
How to use this guide: Tap any vaccine title to expand or collapse the full details. Use the Read more link inside each section for the full vaccine article, and the Disease info link for destination-specific risk information.(from fittotravel.net external website)

The 17 Essential Travel Vaccines

1

Hepatitis A Vaccine



Common Risk
Key point: One of the most common travel-related infections — transmitted via contaminated food and water.
Timing Before TravelIdeally as soon as travel is considered. First dose at least 2 weeks before departure for partial protection.
Building ImmunityProtection begins approximately 2–4 weeks after the first dose.
Duration of ImmunitySingle dose: up to 1 year. Booster at 6–12 months extends protection to 20+ years.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood vaccination schedule in the United States.
Use During PregnancyGenerally considered safe; discuss timing and need with your healthcare provider.
High-Risk DestinationsAfrica, Asia, Central & South America, Eastern Europe, Middle East.
Disease info for travelers: Hepatitis A — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Hepatitis A Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
2

Typhoid Fever Vaccine



Common in Developing Countries
Key point: Higher risk with food and water exposure in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Two vaccine forms available — oral and injectable.
Timing Before TravelOral: complete at least 1 week before travel. Injectable: at least 2 weeks before departure.
Building ImmunityTypically within 2 weeks after completing the course.
Duration of ImmunityOral vaccine: 5 years. Injectable (Vi polysaccharide): 2 years.
US Routine ProgramNot routinely given in the US — available for travelers to endemic areas.
Use During PregnancyInjectable vaccine generally preferred over the oral live vaccine during pregnancy.
High-Risk DestinationsIndia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Latin America.
Disease info for travelers: Typhoid Fever — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Typhoid Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
3

Yellow Fever Vaccine



Entry Required
Key point: Mandatory for entry in many African and South American countries. Must be administered at a certified Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — certificate (IHR) required for border crossing.
Timing Before TravelAt least 10 days before travel — this is also the minimum required for the IHR certificate to become valid.
Building ImmunityEffective immunity develops within 10 days of a single dose.
Duration of ImmunityLifelong in most recipients. IHR certificate now valid for life (updated 2016 WHO regulations).
US Routine ProgramNot part of routine programme — available only at designated CDC-authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.
Use During PregnancyGenerally avoided unless travel to a high-risk area is unavoidable. Discuss risk vs benefit with your physician.
High-Risk DestinationsSub-Saharan Africa, tropical South America (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia).
Disease info for travelers: Yellow Fever — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Yellow Fever Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
4

Hepatitis B Vaccine



Consider for Longer Stays
Key point: Essential for travelers with potential blood or body fluid exposure — healthcare workers, adventure travelers, those planning medical procedures abroad, or longer-term stays.
Timing Before TravelStandard series: start 6 months before travel (3 doses). Accelerated schedule available (Twinrix) for last-minute travelers.
Building ImmunityGradually over the full vaccination series; full protection after final dose.
Duration of ImmunityLong-lasting, often lifelong — booster not routinely recommended for immunocompetent adults.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood vaccination schedule. Adults born before universal vaccination may lack immunity.
Use During PregnancyGenerally considered safe during pregnancy if indicated.
High-Risk DestinationsSub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, China, Eastern Europe — high endemic regions.
Disease info for travelers: Hepatitis B — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Hepatitis B Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
5

Rabies Vaccine (Pre-Exposure)



Remote / Adventure Travel
Key point: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is strongly recommended for remote travel, adventure tourism, and destinations where post-exposure treatment may be unavailable. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Timing Before TravelBegin series at least 28 days before travel — two doses on days 0 and 7 (updated 2022 CDC schedule).
Building ImmunityProtective antibody levels develop after completing the 2-dose series.
Duration of ImmunityPrEP does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment but simplifies it significantly. Booster frequency depends on ongoing risk.
US Routine ProgramNot routine — available for high-risk individuals including veterinarians, wildlife workers, and at-risk travelers.
Use During PregnancyShould be considered if risk of exposure is significant and post-exposure care may be delayed.
High-Risk DestinationsIndia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America — especially rural areas with limited medical access.
Disease info for travelers: Rabies — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Rabies Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
6

Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccine



Required — Hajj/Umrah
Key point: Mandatory for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. Also important for travel to the African Meningitis Belt, crowded settings, and college dormitories.
Timing Before TravelAt least 2 weeks before travel for full protection.
Building ImmunityWithin 7–14 days after vaccination.
Duration of ImmunityMenACWY: 3–5 years. MenB: duration under ongoing study. Boosters recommended for continued risk.
US Routine ProgramYes — routinely recommended for adolescents (11–12 years) and college students.
Use During PregnancyMenACWY can be given if indicated. MenB: limited data — discuss with your physician.
High-Risk DestinationsAfrican Meningitis Belt (Sahel region), Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah), crowded travel settings.
Disease info for travelers: Meningococcal Disease — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Meningitis Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
7

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine



Rural Asia Risk
Key point: Important for extended rural travel in Asia. Risk is highest during monsoon season in agricultural areas with rice paddies and pig farming.
Timing Before TravelComplete the 2-dose series (Ixiaro) at least 1 week before travel.
Building ImmunityBoth doses are required — given 28 days apart — for full protection.
Duration of ImmunityAt least 1 year; booster recommended after 1 year for ongoing or future travel to endemic regions.
US Routine ProgramNot routine — available for travelers to endemic areas of Asia and the Western Pacific.
Use During PregnancyOnly if risk of exposure cannot be avoided and is assessed as high.
High-Risk DestinationsIndia, China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Nepal — particularly rural agricultural areas.
Disease info for travelers: Japanese Encephalitis — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full JE Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
8

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine



Hiking / Forest Exposure
Key point: Consider for hikers, campers, and outdoor travelers in forested areas of Central/Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Not routinely available in the US — travelers must obtain it before departure or in the destination country.
Timing Before TravelIdeally start the series 3 months before travel. Accelerated schedule available but less ideal.
Building ImmunityFull protection after completing the primary 3-dose series.
Duration of ImmunityBooster doses every 3–5 years for continued exposure risk.
US Routine ProgramNot routinely available in the US — CDC advises travelers to consider obtaining it before or upon arrival in endemic countries.
Use During PregnancyLimited safety data — discuss individual risk versus benefit with your healthcare provider.
High-Risk DestinationsAustria, Germany, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Russia, parts of China and Japan — forested areas.
Disease info for travelers: Tick-borne Encephalitis — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full TBE Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
9

Polio Vaccine (Booster)



Routine + Booster
Key point: Ensure your routine childhood series is complete. A one-time adult booster is recommended before travel to countries with active polio transmission (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some African nations).
Timing Before TravelBooster can be given at any time before travel if the full childhood series was completed.
Building ImmunityImmediate boosting of pre-existing immunity in previously vaccinated individuals.
Duration of ImmunityLifelong after completion of the primary series. One booster is recommended for adults traveling to endemic areas.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood schedule (IPV). Most US adults are already fully vaccinated.
Use During PregnancyGenerally safe if travel to an endemic area is necessary — discuss with your provider.
High-Risk DestinationsAfghanistan, Pakistan; some African countries with active circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
Disease info for travelers: Polio — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Polio Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
10

COVID-19 Vaccines



Keep Up to Date
Key point: Ensure your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are current before international travel. Some destinations still require proof of vaccination for entry or for specific venues.
Timing Before TravelFollow current CDC guidance. Updated boosters are typically recommended annually ahead of travel season.
Building ImmunityFull immunity develops approximately 1–2 weeks after the final dose or booster.
Duration of ImmunityVaries by vaccine type and individual immune response. Annual updated boosters are currently recommended by the CDC.
US Routine ProgramWidely available to all age groups. Updated formulations released annually to match circulating variants.
Use During PregnancyRecommended by CDC and ACOG to protect pregnant travelers against severe COVID-19.
High-Risk DestinationsGlobally relevant — check destination-specific entry requirements before travel.
Disease info for travelers: COVID-19 Vaccines comparison — traveler guide  ·  Read full COVID-19 Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
11

Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)



Routine Update
Key point: Check when you last had a Td or Tdap booster — a 10-year booster is recommended before travel, especially to areas with limited medical care or wound management.
Timing Before TravelAt least 2 weeks before travel if not vaccinated within the last 10 years.
Building ImmunityWithin approximately 2 weeks of the booster dose.
Duration of ImmunityTetanus/diphtheria: 10 years. Pertussis protection wanes more quickly — a booster is especially important for those around infants.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations. Adults should receive a booster every 10 years.
Use During PregnancyStrongly recommended during every pregnancy (27–36 weeks gestation) to protect newborns from whooping cough.
High-Risk DestinationsAll destinations — particularly important where wound care and medical facilities may be limited.
Disease info for travelers: Tetanus · Pertussis (Whooping Cough)  ·  Read full Tdap Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
12

Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine



Age 50+ Recommended
Key point: Not a travel-specific vaccine but highly relevant for older travelers — travel stress, fatigue, and sun exposure can all trigger shingles reactivation. Shingrix (recombinant) is preferred over the older Zostavax.
Timing Before TravelAnytime for adults aged 50+. Two doses given 2–6 months apart — ideally complete before travel.
Building ImmunityWithin 2–6 weeks after completing the 2-dose Shingrix series.
Duration of ImmunityShingrix provides strong protection for at least 7 years; ongoing studies suggest longer duration.
US Routine ProgramRecommended by CDC for all adults aged 50+ regardless of prior shingles history or previous Zostavax vaccination.
Use During PregnancyNot recommended — intended for adults aged 50 and older.
High-Risk DestinationsAll destinations — especially relevant for long-haul or high-stress travel for older adults.
Disease info for travelers: Shingles — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Shingles Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
13

Pneumococcal Vaccine



Risk-Based
Key point: Recommended for adults aged 65+ and younger adults with certain medical conditions. Crowded travel environments (cruise ships, group tours) increase pneumococcal pneumonia risk.
Timing Before TravelAnytime for eligible adults — not specifically a pre-travel vaccine but valuable before travel to crowded destinations.
Building Immunity2–3 weeks after vaccination.
Duration of ImmunityPCV20/PCV15 + PPSV23: long-lasting; booster schedule depends on age and medical conditions.
US Routine ProgramRecommended for children under 2 and adults 65+. Also for adults aged 19–64 with certain chronic conditions.
Use During PregnancyCan be given if clinically indicated — discuss with your provider.
High-Risk DestinationsCrowded settings globally — cruise ships, group pilgrimages, refugee camps, mass gatherings.
Disease info for travelers: Pneumococcal Disease — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Pneumococcal Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
14

Influenza Vaccine



Annual Vaccine
Key point: Flu circulates year-round in tropical regions and during winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. Travelers may be exposed outside of the US flu season — the annual vaccine is always worthwhile before travel.
Timing Before TravelAnnually, before flu season — and before any international travel regardless of season.
Building ImmunityApproximately 2 weeks after vaccination.
Duration of ImmunityOne flu season — annual vaccination is essential as the circulating strains change each year.
US Routine ProgramRecommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older in the United States.
Use During PregnancyStrongly recommended — protects both mother and newborn in the first months of life.
High-Risk DestinationsTropical regions (year-round risk), Southern Hemisphere (April–September season), cruise ships.
Disease info for travelers: Influenza — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Influenza Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
15

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine



Check Immunity First
Key point: Most US adults born before 1980 have natural immunity from childhood infection. Those without prior infection or vaccination should be immunised before travel — chickenpox is more severe in adults.
Timing Before TravelTwo doses required — at least 4–6 weeks apart. Begin well in advance of departure.
Building Immunity4–6 weeks after the first dose; full protection after both doses.
Duration of ImmunityLikely lifelong after 2 doses. Blood test (titre) can confirm immunity if history is uncertain.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood vaccination schedule since 1995. Adults without immunity should catch up.
Use During PregnancyNot recommended during pregnancy — vaccinate before conception if non-immune. Chickenpox in pregnancy carries serious risks.
High-Risk DestinationsGlobally relevant — especially crowded travel settings, schools, and healthcare environments.
Disease info for travelers: Chickenpox — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Varicella Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
16

MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)



Critical for Travel
Key point: Measles outbreaks are active in many parts of the world. International travel is a leading cause of measles importation into the US. All travelers should have 2 documented doses of MMR before departure.
Timing Before TravelAt least 2 weeks before travel if not previously vaccinated or if immunity is uncertain.
Building ImmunityWithin 2 weeks after the first dose; second dose given at least 28 days later.
Duration of ImmunityLifelong after 2 properly administered doses. No booster routinely recommended.
US Routine ProgramYes — part of routine childhood vaccination. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Use During PregnancyNot recommended during pregnancy — vaccinate at least 4 weeks before conception. Critical to vaccinate before travel if planning pregnancy.
High-Risk DestinationsEurope, Southeast Asia, Africa — measles outbreaks have been reported in many countries with declining vaccination rates.
Disease info for travelers: Measles · Mumps · Rubella  ·  Read full MMR Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →
17

Cholera Vaccine



Poor Sanitation Areas
Key point: Consider for travelers going to areas with active cholera outbreaks, humanitarian workers, or those with limited access to safe water and sanitation. The oral vaccine (Vaxchora) is available in the US.
Timing Before TravelAt least 10 days before travel. Vaxchora is a single oral dose.
Building ImmunityWithin approximately 1 week of the single oral dose.
Duration of ImmunityAdults: 2 years. Children 2–6 years: approximately 6 months. Revaccination required for ongoing risk.
US Routine ProgramNot routine — Vaxchora (oral) is FDA-approved and available for travelers to cholera-affected areas.
Use During PregnancyLimited safety data — discuss risk versus benefit with your healthcare provider if travel cannot be avoided.
High-Risk DestinationsSub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia — areas with poor sanitation and active outbreaks.
Disease info for travelers: Cholera — traveler risk guide  ·  Read full Cholera Vaccine article on FitToTravel (external website) →

Specific vaccine recommendations vary based on your individual health, age, medications, immune status, destination, itinerary, and planned activities. This guide is a starting point — not a personalised prescription. Please consult a qualified travel medicine physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure to receive a tailored pre-travel health plan.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational use only. Always verify travel vaccine recommendations with a healthcare professional. Read full disclaimer.
Sources & further reading: CDC Traveler Vaccine Recommendations · WHO Travel Advice · ISTM Guidelines · ACIP Schedules