Travel vaccines are an essential part of preparing for any trip abroad, especially to countries where certain diseases are more common. Before travelling to another country, you should always check with your doctor or travel health clinic about which vaccines are required or advisable for your intended destination.

This can also be a good opportunity to check that you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and have booster vaccinations if necessary for your own country. All travelers should be routinely vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza (which is administered once a year usually in September), and current with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Other routine vaccinations that are recommended include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), chicken pox, pneumonia, polio, and meningitis (particularly important if you are going to volunteer with children in crowded settings such as schools or orphanages).

If possible, make an appointment with your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your intended departure date. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity, while other vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

We’ve rounded up the most common vaccinations recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for international travelers by region:

Africa:

• Yellow Fever: Required for entry into some countries, especially if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Hepatitis A and B:Recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid:Recommended for travellers going to areas where typhoid fever is common.
• Rabies:Considered for those spending extended time outdoors or in rural areas.
• Cholera: The vaccine can be worth taking if you are likely to have difficulty in accessing clean water and/or be engaged in hands-on work in basic conditions, surrounded by significant poverty.
• Meningitis: This vaccine is especially important in regions where meningitis outbreaks are common.
• Malaria: There is no vaccination for malaria. Anti-malaria treatment is prescribed in tablet form, if clinically suitable. 

Asia:

• Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for travelers to rural areas in Southeast Asia.
• Hepatitis A and B:Recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid:Recommended for travellers going to areas where typhoid fever is common.
• Rabies:Considered for those spending time in rural areas or planning outdoor activities.
• Cholera: The vaccine can be worth taking if you are likely to have difficulty in accessing clean water and/or be engaged in hands-on work in basic conditions, surrounded by significant poverty.
• Rabies: Considered for those spending extended time outdoors or in rural areas.
• Malaria: There is no vaccination for malaria. Anti-malaria treatment is prescribed in tablet form, if clinically suitable, and if you are travelling to a high-risk malaria area. 

South America:

• Yellow Fever:Recommended for travellers to certain countries, especially in the Amazon Basin.
• Hepatitis A and B:Recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid:Recommended for travellers going to areas where typhoid fever is common.
• Rabies:Considered for those spending time in rural areas or planning outdoor activities.
• Meningococcal Meningitis:
• Malaria: There is no vaccination for malaria. Anti-malaria treatment is prescribed in tablet form, if clinically suitable, and if you are travelling to a high-risk malaria area. 

Central America and the Caribbean:

• Hepatitis A and B:Recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid:Recommended for travellers going to areas where typhoid fever is common.
• Rabies:Considered for those spending time in rural areas or planning outdoor activities.
• Yellow Fever: Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.
• Cholera: The vaccine can be worth taking if you are likely to have difficulty in accessing clean water and/or be engaged in hands-on work in basic conditions, surrounded by significant poverty.

Middle East:

• Hepatitis A and B:Recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid:Recommended for travellers going to areas where typhoid fever is common.
• Rabies:Considered for those spending time in rural areas or planning outdoor activities.
• Yellow Fever: Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.
• Cholera: The vaccine can be worth taking if you are likely to have difficulty in accessing clean water and/or be engaged in hands-on work in basic conditions, surrounded by significant poverty.

Europe, North America and Australia:

• Generally, no specific vaccines are required if you’re travelling to countries in northern or central Europe, North America, or Australia, beyond routine vaccinations, unless traveling to rural areas or specific countries with known outbreaks.

Additional information

For more information on country-specific requirements, always consult with your doctor or travel health clinic well in advance of your trip, to determine which vaccines you need, in addition to consulting with your airline, as you may be prohibited from flying if your vaccines are not up-to-date.

The World Health Organization strongly underlines the importance of travel vaccinations. These recommendations are based on extensive research and data on disease patterns and the effectiveness of vaccines. Following their advice ensures you are taking scientifically backed steps to protect your health, and those around you.