Safe Travels

International travel starts with good planning. Before packing a single suitcase, it’s important to consider the health risks associated with different countries. So, making a trip to the doctor should be on the list before jetsetting around the globe. Each country has varying standards, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests being up to date on all routine vaccinations. Ask your doctor for more specific details to prepare yourself, preferably about four to six weeks before departure. 

What are routine vaccinations?

For most adults who received all their recommended vaccines as children, only a yearly flu vaccine and a tetanus booster every 10 years are needed. However, you should talk to your doctor about what’s best for you. If you did not receive all your vaccines as a child—or if you can’t remember—your doctor may recommend giving them again, just to be safe. For older adults, vaccination against pneumococcal disease or shingles might be advised.

Costa Rica

Highly recommended: Hepatitis A and Typhoid 
Rabies and Hepatitis B are recommended for those who will be spending time outdoors
Yellow Fever is suggested if you are not traveling from the U.S.

Brazil

Highly recommended: Typhoid and Hepatitis A
Strongly consider: Hepatitis B and Rabies
Depending on where you are staying, Malaria and Yellow Fever vaccinations are recommended
If traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics, Malaria and Yellow Fever are not required for the area.

Ghana 

All travelers must have the Yellow Fever vaccination
Highly recommended: Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid
Rabies, Hepatitis B and Meningitis are encouraged for certain areas and depending how long you are in the country

South Africa 

Highly recommended: Typhoid and Hepatitis A
Yellow Fever is only required in the upper west part of the country
Malaria is recommended for anyone planning an extended stay

Dubai 

Highly recommended: Hepatitis A and Typhoid
You can get Hepatitis A and Typhoid through contaminated food or water in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Encouraged: Rabies and Hepatitis B

Maldives 

Highly recommended: Hepatitis A, B and Typhoid
Yellow Fever is only needed if you are traveling from a country other than the U.S.

Australia

Recommended for caution: Rabies and Hepatitis A, B
Japanese Encephalitis is strongly encouraged for extended stay
Yellow Fever is only asked if you are not traveling from the U.S.  

Thailand/Philippines

Highly recommended: Typhoid and Hepatitis A
Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria and Yellow Fever are encouraged, especially for extended stay
Hepatitis B and Rabies are recommended for adventurous travelers

Europe

*European countries do not require any extra vaccination beyond the normal routine.
Some recommend Hepatitis A.