COVID-19

Worldwide

Boosters are advised depending on age, comorbidities of traveler, and current health agency recommendations.

See also COVID-19 Vaccine

Hepatitis A

All low- and middle-income countries

Two doses are given at least 6 months apart.‡

See also Hepatitis A Vaccine.

Hepatitis B

All low- and middle-income countries (hepatitis B is particularly common in China)

This vaccine is recommended for extended-stay travelers and all health care workers.‡

See also Hepatitis B Vaccine.

Influenza

Worldwide

Seasonality in northern hemisphere: September through May

Seasonality in southern hemisphere: April through September

In the tropics, influenza is transmitted throughout the year.

Sometimes slightly different influenza vaccines are used in the northern and southern hemisphere.

Japanese encephalitis

Rural areas throughout most of Asia and South Asia, particularly in areas with rice and pig farming

Two doses are given 28 days apart. Adults aged 18 to 65 years can get the second dose as early as 7 days after the first dose. The last dose should be given at least 1 week before travel.

This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

This vaccine is usually not advised for those spending less than one month in an endemic area.

Meningococcal infections

Northern Sub-Saharan Africa from Mali to Ethiopia (the meningitis belt)

Throughout the world, especially in crowded living situations (such as dormitories)

A single dose of quadrivalent vaccine is effective.

Risk of infection in the meningitis belt is higher during the dry season (December through June).

This vaccine is required for entry into Saudi Arabia during Hajj or Umrah.

See also Meningococcal Vaccine.

Rabies

All countries, including the United States

This vaccine is recommended for travelers at risk of animal bites, including rural campers, veterinarians, people living in remote areas, and field workers.

It does not eliminate the need for additional vaccinations after an animal bite (for added protection).

This vaccine is given during pregnancy only if the risk of infection is high.

See also Rabies Prevention.

Typhoid fever

All low-income countries, especially in South Asia (including India)

Two forms of the vaccine are available.

Single injection form: It protects for 2 years and is thought to be safer for pregnant women than the pill form of the vaccine.

Pill form: One pill is taken every other day for a total of 4 pills. This form protects for 5 years and is not safe for pregnant women.

See also Typhoid Fever Prevention.

Yellow fever

Tropical South America and tropical Africa

The disease is rare, but many countries require proof of vaccination for entry.§

This vaccine is not safe for pregnant women.

This vaccine has an increased risk of side effects in older people.§

One dose is protective for life for most travelers.

See also Yellow Fever Prevention.