Are you considering a trip abroad? Before you finish your to-do checklist, make sure to add travel vaccines!
Checklist
Start Early
Ensure your appointment is booked at least 6-8 weeks before your travel date to make sure you receive all the necessary vaccines in time. Some vaccines can take up to 30 days to build immunity, or require multiple doses spaced apart.
Finding a Provider
If you do not have a primary provider, you can call your local pharmacy, county clinic or visit our Dónde ir para tomar tus vacunas page for a variety of options.
Find Out What Vaccines are Required
You can use the CDC’s destination page to look up the immunization requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit.
What To Expect
Several factors determine the vaccines you will need, such as your destination, length of stay, type of planned activities, age, health history, medications, and immunization history. The vaccines most administered to travelers are routine vaccines you may be behind on, the yellow fever vaccine, the typhoid vaccine, and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Resources for hard-to-find travel vaccines
If you need destination-specific health advice or hard-to-find travel vaccines such as yellow fever or typhoid, you will probably need to visit a travel clinic. The U.S. CDC keeps an up-to-date list of all Arizona-state certified yellow fever clinics. Below, we have listed a variety of travel clinics that are held statewide in various locations.
While at your travel vaccine appointment, ask your doctor to verify that that you and your family members are current on ALL recommended immunizations.
Why Do I Need Vaccines For My Trip?
Health insurance does not usually cover medical treatments abroad. After paying for your flights and accommodation, you want to be healthy and enjoy your trip. Up to 43-79% of travelers to developing countries fall ill during their travels. Some cases are mild, while others require emergency air evacuation to a more developed country.
Some countries, especially South America and Africa, require proof of vaccination to enter. Government officials may request a yellow card to show proof of yellow fever vaccination and deny you entry or give fines if you do not have a yellow card. Review this Safe Travel Guide for tips and supply recommendations for safe, healthy travel.
Protect yourself and your fellow travelers with up-to-date immunizations! Have a great trip!