Q: I'm planning a trip abroad next month. What routine vaccines should I consider getting before traveling?
A: Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety. Depending on the destination, there may be specific vaccines recommended that are not routinely used in America, such as yellow fever vaccine, typhoid fever and Japanese encephalitis virus. However, it is also important to ensure you are still protected against diseases we are routinely vaccinated for domestically that are commonly encountered internationally. Preparing for an international trip is a great time to check your current status. Here's a rundown of some routine vaccines you should consider before your trip.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis: If you haven't had a Tdap vaccine within the past 10 years, it's advisable to get one before traveling. Pertussis (whooping cough), spread through respiratory droplets, is quite common here but even more so in developing countries. While tetanus cases are rare in America due to widespread vaccination, the germs are still omnipresent. Once contracted, there is still no treatment for it, and it is highly fatal.
Measles, mumps and rubella: While we do not worry about measles too much in the U.S., it remains one of the leading causes of death, especially for children, around the world. There have been large measles outbreaks worldwide recently, including many European and African countries. Ensure you're up to date on your MMR vaccine, especially if you were born after 1957 and incompletely vaccinated.
Polio: Polio vaccination has been a great success in this country and continues to be a part of routine immunization schedules. There are still countries considered at risk for polio spread, and if you are going to be in these places more than four weeks, a booster dose is recommended.
Hepatitis A: International travelers commonly contract this disease from contaminated food or water. Outbreaks even occur here but more so in developing countries. The vaccine is very protective, almost immediately, so obtain this shot even if you are leaving on short notice.
Hepatitis B: This virus is contracted from blood and body fluids; if your travel plans increase your exposure risk, ensure that you have had the two- or three-dose series once in your life. Travelers going to remote locations to provide medical care should certainly check vaccine records before departure.
Influenza: Ensure that you have received the latest influenza vaccine. Flu viruses often circulate year-round in tropical countries (not seasonally as we experience in North America and Europe).
Other routine vaccines to consider updating include COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia and shingles. Consult with your personal doctor or a travel medicine specialist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your destination, itinerary, medical history and health status. Additionally, some countries require proof of certain vaccinations for entry, so familiarize yourself with the vaccination requirements of your destination well in advance. Good sites to find recommendations for your destination are cdc.gov/travel and tripprep.com.
Remember, vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent illness while traveling. Stay informed, stay healthy and enjoy your travels safely!
Dr. Richard Moody is a travel medicine expert with CFP Travel Medicine and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.