Make sure you are up to date on all recommended vaccines before traveling abroad.
Some types of international travel, especially to developing countries and rural areas, may have higher health risks. These risks depend on a number of things including:
- Where you are traveling.
- Your activities while traveling.
- The state of your health.
- Your vaccination history
Many vaccine-preventable diseases that have become rare in the United States, such as measles and pertussis, are still common in other parts of the world. Certain activities, such as attending crowded events, can increase the spread of infectious disease. No matter where you plan to go, you should get recommended vaccines to lower the chances for getting and spreading disease.
- Get up to date on all your vaccinations.
- Learn about recommended travel vaccines and medicines you might need for your destination.
- Find the latest health updates for areas you plan to visit.
- Discover and learn about specific diseases that can affect you while traveling.
- Be careful what you eat and drink.
- Bugs (including mosquitoes, ticks, and some flies) can spread a number of diseases. Use insect repellent.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Don’t touch animals, especially monkeys, dogs and birds.
Plan Ahead to Vaccinate
Finding your vaccine records and getting all the vaccines you need may take some time. Talk with your health care professional when you begin to plan international travel. If your primary health care professional does not stock travel vaccines, you may need to visit a travel clinic to get the vaccines you need.
- See your health care professional at least 4-6 weeks before any international travel. You may need this much time to complete a vaccine series, and your body needs time to build up immunity. Find out vaccine recommendations and requirements for your travel destination.
- Ask about routine vaccines when you talk to your health care professional about travel. Make sure you are up to date on your all recommended vaccines, such as MMR vaccine, before you travel.
- Check if the country you are traveling to requires proof of yellow fever vaccine. Only a registered provider can offer this vaccine, and you must get it at least 10 days before travel. You will need a stamped vaccine certificate as well. Find a Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic.
Contact Us
To contact the Immunization Unit, call (701) 328-3386 or toll-free (800) 472-2180.