CareNow® - February 25, 2022

The COVID-19 Pandemic may have changed travel plans, but it hasn’t dampened the desire to travel. In fact, in 2021, 45% of U.S. travelers were planning international trips. 

If you’re one of them, vaccines and immunizations, along with a bit of flexibility and research, can still open a world of adventure for you. However, whether you’re headed for warmer weather in the Caribbean or finally taking that African safari, you must know what travel vaccinations and immunizations you’ll need beforehand. Below are a few tips to prepare. 

Keep updated on COVID-related requirements 

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent protective measures have varied not only from region to region within the U.S. but from country to country. Airline companies in the United States will follow CDC guidelines. Depending on your vaccination status and travel plans, you may be asked to get a pre-travel COVID test and/or submit to a post-travel quarantine. 

In the meantime, the one sure thing you can do to help protect against severe COVID-related illness is to get a COVID vaccination if you haven’t already. 

You can find information on your destinations and the vaccine, quarantine, and testing requirements of your international destinations through the CDC link below.

Country specific travel requirements related to COVID 19

Travel vaccines vary

Be sure you are up to date on routine vaccines, the standard immunizations that all children and adults are encouraged to get, such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. 

Since other countries can have disease breakouts that we may not experience in the United States, this is an excellent time to ensure you’re current on all routine vaccines. Your provider should have a record or be able to advise you on your vaccination history and status.  

Specific countries recommend certain vaccines to prevent diseases from spreading from one country to another, especially if you’re traveling to areas with a high risk of contracting particular illnesses. In addition, some countries have required vaccines if you want to travel to specific parts of the world, such as Africa, South America or Saudi Arabia.  

Certain vaccinations will be given over several days or even weeks. You should allow 4-6 weeks to receive any vaccinations needed to enable them to work. Sometimes vaccination recommendations depend on what you will be doing in a particular place. Two people may be visiting the same country, but their vaccinations may vary if they plan to go to different locations. Consider contacting a travel health specialist who can determine what you need based on your itinerary.  

Know some common travel vaccines

Almost every region of the world has location-specific diseases. Your vaccination schedule may vary from the common vaccines and diseases they prevent below. Vaccines will also vary depending on your booster shot schedule and your age. A few give you the option of injection versus pill form. Here are some of the most common diseases which travel vaccinations can provide protection:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Yellow Fever
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus
  • Cholera
  • Meningococcal bacterial infections

Where to get your travel vaccines 

If you are planning to travel soon, visit CareNow® to get vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, meningitis and tetanus, including pertussis. 

Each of our more than 150 locations throughout the United States is ready to serve you—both after hour and on the weekend. 

We make your visit as convenient as possible. In fact, no appointment is necessary; simply walk in or be sure to check in online using our Web Check-In® to avoid the waiting room! 

Disclaimer: Patients’ health can vary. Always consult with a medical professional before taking medication, making health-related decisions or deciding if medical advice is right for you.