What Travel Vaccinations Do You Need Before Going Abroad?

Planning a trip abroad? One overlooked detail could cost you your health. Travel vaccinations aren't just red tape—they're practical protection. From yellow fever to typhoid, different regions pose varying risks. Here's how to determine what you need before boarding the plane.

Where Are You Headed, And Why Does It Matter

Your destination determines your vaccine checklist. Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South America all carry a higher risk of diseases not common in Western countries. For example, countries like Brazil or Ghana may require a yellow fever vaccine to enter. Others, such as India or Thailand, may strongly recommend hepatitis A or typhoid vaccines due to concerns about sanitation.

Even if not required, your travel style matters. Staying in luxury hotels is different from backpacking through rural villages. If you plan to eat street food, interact with animals, or explore less-developed areas, you'll need more protection. A clinic will typically recommend a risk-based list, rather than a country-based one.

Business travellers might skip vaccines if they're flying in for 48 hours and staying in a modern venue. However, for more extended stays or volunteer work, your exposure increases. That's where timing, accuracy, and relevance of your vaccinations become more critical.

When Should You Get Your Shots?

Some vaccines need weeks to take full effect. Rabies, for example, is given in a series of doses. Others, such as hepatitis A or yellow fever, may require ten days or more to become effective. Booking a travel clinic visit four to six weeks before your departure is usually ideal.

Don't count on a last-minute fix. Pharmacies often don't stock travel-specific vaccines, and supply issues occur more frequently than expected. Delaying can also limit your options. Some vaccines simply can't be given at the same time. If you need several, you'll need space between doses.

Planning early also helps you avoid side effects while travelling. Mild fever, soreness, or fatigue might follow certain shots. It's better to deal with that at home than while navigating a remote jungle or crowded airport.

Which Travel Vaccinations Are Most Common?

While your specific list depends on destination and activities, there are a few vaccinations that show up again and again for international travel:

Hepatitis A

Common in areas with poor sanitation. Spread through contaminated food and water.

Typhoid

Another foodborne illness. Especially relevant if you're eating outside high-end establishments.

Yellow Fever

Required for entry into some African and South American countries. A single dose offers lifelong protection.

Japanese Encephalitis

Found in parts of Asia, particularly if you're travelling during mosquito season in rural areas.

Rabies

Vital if you're working with animals or exploring areas without quick access to hospitals.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

A routine update, but it's smart to refresh if you haven't done so in over 10 years.

COVID-19

Many countries still require proof of vaccination. Variants and entry rules can shift quickly, so be sure to check the most recent guidelines.

These are in addition to routine vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, polio vaccine, and flu vaccine. Even if you're up to date at home, a quick review can reveal gaps.

How Do You Know What You Need?

Begin by visiting the government health website for your destination. For example, the CDC (CentresCentres for Disease Control and Prevention) or NHS Fit for Travel pages allow you to search by country. You'll see what's recommended versus what's required.

Then, visit a travel health clinic—not just your primary care physician. These clinics specialise in regional risks, have up-to-date information, and often stock the vaccines you'll need. You'll also get personalised advice. For instance, if you're pregnant, have allergies, or take medications that affect your immune system, they'll offer alternatives.

An innovative clinic will also provide you with a vaccination card or certificate, which some countries require for immigration purposes. Without it, you can be denied entry or stuck paying for a shot at the border.

What About Natural Immunity Or Alternatives?

Some travellers skip vaccines, believing that past exposure or a strong immune system will keep them safe. That's risky logic. Even if you've had hepatitis A years ago, immunity may have faded. And some diseases—like yellow fever—are so severe that skipping vaccination isn't just risky, it's irresponsible.

Natural remedies, also known as immune boosters, can't replace actual vaccinations. No amount of vitamin C or garlic will shield you from mosquito-borne viruses or food-related infections.

If you're concerned about side effects or ingredients in vaccines, consult a doctor, not online forums or social media. There are often safe options or modified vaccines available for people with concerns. The point is to protect yourself, not to gamble on unproven ideas.

Can You Travel Without Any Vaccinations?

Technically, yes—for some countries. But it's not a good idea. Skipping vaccinations means taking a risk that nothing will go wrong. But the cost of medical care abroad, potential evacuations, and long recovery times aren't just inconvenient—they can be financially and physically draining. One trip to a public hospital in a country without good sanitation can set you back weeks.

Some countries won’t even let you in without proof of specific vaccines. Others might require quarantine if you fail to meet entry requirements. These rules can change with outbreaks, and it’s your job to be up to date before flying.

Do You Still Need Travel Vaccinations If You’re Fully Vaccinated At Home?

Domestic vaccinations differ from travel vaccinations. Your country may not vaccinate against illnesses that are not common in your area. For instance, Japanese encephalitis is not covered in the routine childhood schedule in most Western countries, but it's a genuine concern in parts of Asia.

Being up to date at home is a good start, but it's not enough if your destination has different risks. That's why travel vaccinations are a separate checklist altogether.

Even with a strong health system at home, insurance policies may not cover treatment abroad, especially if they find you ignored medical advice or skipped preventive measures like vaccines. Some travel insurers ask for a vaccine history as part of your claim process.

Are Travel Vaccinations Worth It For Every Traveller?

The short answer is yes. Whether you're heading to a well-developed city or trekking off the grid, diseases don't care where you stay. Travel vaccinations provide an additional layer of protection that local healthcare systems may not offer when you need it most. Think ahead, protect your health, and travel smarter.