What vaccines do I need for Antarctica?

CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines and COVID-19. Antarctica has no destination-specific vaccines, so most needs depend on the countries you transit, such as Argentina, Chile or New Zealand.

Is yellow fever required for Antarctica?

No. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Antarctica and there is no yellow fever risk on the continent.

How long before travel to Antarctica should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Antarctica — Required & Recommended

When are you departing?

Antarctica itself has no specific vaccine requirements; CDC advises travellers to be up to date on routine vaccines and COVID-19. The vaccines you actually need depend mainly on the countries you travel through on the way, such as Argentina, Chile or New Zealand. There is no malaria or yellow fever risk on the continent. See a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to review your full itinerary.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Antarctica from most countries.

Food & water safety

Standard precautions

Food and water are generally safe. Standard travel hygiene applies — wash hands regularly, be cautious with street food, and if in doubt about water quality, opt for sealed bottled water.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Severe cold, high winds and intense sun reflecting off snow are the main hazards; protect your eyes and skin and dress for extreme conditions. Close quarters on cruise ships can increase the spread of person-to-person illnesses, so consider vaccines for the countries you transit en route.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Antarctica.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.