Do I need Special Vaccines Before Travel?
If you are traveling to another country, there are many things you need to think about. Your health and safety should be at the top of that list. Access to healthcare varies in different parts of the world, and you may need certain vaccines or medications to protect you from local diseases. Preparing ahead of time for your trip may prevent the need to seek medical care in a foreign country.
Do I need special vaccines before I travel?
Depending on where you are traveling, you may be at higher risk of certain diseases. Many travel destinations require or recommend vaccines that are not a part of the typical vaccination schedule including those for yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid. The CDC has a website with all recommended and required vaccinations, including COVID-19 guidance. You can also make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before you leave for a personalized consultation.
Travel medicine specialists and clinics can be found by searching the International Society of Travel Medicine's clinic directory. Your primary care provider can also offer travel health and safety information and prescribe preventative medications. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get all your necessary vaccines. Some vaccines cannot be given together and must be spread out over several weeks.
Related questions
- Can you have Covid without a fever?
- Which breathing techniques help with COVID-19?
- How effective is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for COVID-19?
Summary
Depending on your travel destination, duration and time of the year of travel, lodging accommodations, or planned activities, you may have additional health and safety needs before travel. Travel medicine specialists, your primary care provider, and your local pharmacist can help answer questions and prepare you for your travels. Pharmacies are one-stop shops for filling your medications, buying over-the-counter products and first aid supplies, and even getting some of the vaccines you may need.
See also:
Related medical questions
- Is Omicron worse than Delta?
- Should I wear a face mask to protect myself from COVID-19?
- COVID-19: Why is social distancing so important?
- Why do more men die from coronavirus?
- Can ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19?
- Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- What is the difference between Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE?
- What antibiotics kill Covid-19 (coronavirus)?
- COVID-19: What are the Stages and Causes of Death?
- What's the difference between Bacteria and Viruses?
- Does Zinc protect you from Covid-19 or boost your immune system?
- How do I Treat Nasal Congestion with COVID-19?
- Does Losartan block COVID-19 Coronavirus Receptors?
- An Update: Is hydroxychloroquine effective for COVID-19?
- Does Paxlovid make you less contagious?
- Where can I buy an at-home test kit for COVID-19?
- Can you take Paxlovid twice if COVID rebounds?
- Does Tamiflu (oseltamivir) work on COVID-19?
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Does Mucinex help with Covid?
- Should I take Paxlovid after a Positive COVID-19 Test?
- Can I take NyQuil with COVID or after the COVID vaccine?
- How long does COVID-19 last? and other COVID-19 FAQ
- What temperature is considered a fever?
- Does help ibuprofen reduce fever?
- What is Rosel used for?
- What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
Related support groups
- COVID-19 (104 questions, 91 members)
- Fever (106 questions, 177 members)
- Typhoid Fever (4 questions, 23 members)
- Cholera (3 questions, 5 members)
AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.