Jet-Set Without Regret: Why Travel Vaccinations Matter

by Hemaggiri Manisekaran

Travelling overseas can be an exciting experience—but your health should come first. Every day, over a million people travel internationally. This means diseases can spread quickly across countries. To stay safe, it’s important to get the right vaccinations before you go. Trusted organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer helpful advice on which vaccines are needed based on where you’re travelling.

Why Are Travel Vaccines Important?

Vaccines protect you from serious illnesses that may be more common in other countries than in your own. Some countries even require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever, before they allow you to enter.

Getting vaccinated:

• Keeps you safe during your travels
• Helps stop the spread of diseases to others when you return home
• Protects the communities you visit

Common Vaccines for Travelers

Here are some vaccines you might need depending on where you’re going:

1. Routine Vaccines
   Before you travel, double-check that you’re up-to-date with your basic vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, polio, and the flu shot. These illnesses haven’t disappeared—they still occur in many parts of the world and can easily spread through travel.
2. Yellow Fever
   Some countries in parts of Africa and South America require proof of vaccination before entry, especially if you’re arriving from another country where yellow fever is present. You’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination, which is valid for life.
3. Hepatitis A and B
   • Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated food or water.
   • Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids.
     Both are recommended for travelers to Asia, Africa, and South America.
4. Typhoid
   Spread through unsafe food and water. Recommended for travel to places with lower sanitation standards like parts of South Asia and Africa.
5. Japanese Encephalitis
   Found in rural areas of Asia. Especially important if you’ll be outdoors or near farms.
6. Rabies
   Important if you’ll be working with animals or visiting remote areas in Asia, Africa, or South America.
7. Cholera
   Recommended if you’re traveling to countries where the disease is more common, such as India, Bangladesh, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia.
8. COVID-19
   While most countries no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry, it’s still a good idea to be fully vaccinated to protect yourself and others—especially when traveling to crowded places or regions with limited healthcare access. Always check your destination’s latest travel and health guidelines before your trip, as rules can change.

How to Get Ready for Travel Vaccinations

1. Check the Requirements
   Look up the vaccine recommendations for your destination. Visit WHO or CDC websites for up-to-date info.
2. See a Travel Health Doctor
   Book a visit to a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines take time to work or need more than one dose.
3. Bring Your Vaccine Records
   This helps the doctor know what you’ve already had and what you still need.
4. Take Vaccines Early
   Some vaccines take about 2 weeks to build full protection. Getting vaccinated early ensures your body has time to develop immunity before you travel.
5. Plan for Side Effects
   Some vaccines can cause mild side effects like sore arms or a low fever. Give yourself time to recover.
6. Keep Practicing Safety
   Even if you’re vaccinated, stay careful—drink clean water, practise good hygiene, and use insect repellent when needed.

Stay protected, travel smart!

Vaccines are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself while travelling. By planning ahead and talking to your doctor, you can avoid getting sick and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.