Guide to Vaccinations

Prior to traveling abroad, it is important to research which types of vaccinations you will need to get in order to travel to and live in another country.

Factors to Consider

• Your age
• Any medical or health problems you have
• The countries you plan to visit
• The kind of travel you will be doing

Types of Vaccinations

• Measles
• Polio (this disease still exists in Asia and Africa)
• Rubella
• Tetanus and Diphtheria (You should get these vaccinations every ten years)
• H1N1
• Cholera
• Cholera exists in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Be very careful about the water you drink and the food you eat. Don’t rely on the vaccination alone. This infection can give you a very bad case of diarrhea. As a result, your body may get very dehydrated and you could go into shock.
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis A is the most common disease among travelers that can be prevented by vaccine. It is spread through food and water and on people’s hands. It exists in hot, tropical climates. One shot of the vaccine will protect you for 6-12 months. If you get a booster after the first shot, you will probably be protected for the rest of your life.
• Yellow Fever
• This disease exists in Africa, South and Central American countries, and in several Caribbean islands. It is spread through mosquitoes. When you travel to or from a place where yellow fever exists, you may need to have a certificate saying you got the vaccine. The vaccine will protect you for 10 years and the certificate is valid for 10 years.
• Additional Vaccinations
• Use the links below to research your destination country to ensure you have all of the required vaccinations.

Current Vaccination Guidelines

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization’s latest edition of International Travel and Health (WHO)

Learn more about health considerations prior to traveling abroad by visiting Frequently Asked Questions. For more information on things to do before your departure, view and print the Preparing to Go Checklist.