What vaccines do I need for the United States?

CDC's destination page focuses on routine vaccines. Make sure measles, flu, COVID-19, and Tdap are up to date. There are no specific travel vaccines recommended for most visitors.

Do I need any travel vaccines for the United States?

Most travellers do not need travel-specific vaccines for the US. Routine vaccines, especially measles, should be up to date.

How long before travel to the United States should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure if you'd like a routine review. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel.

Vaccines for United States — Required & Recommended

When are you departing?

Planning a trip to the United States? CDC's destination page focuses on routine vaccines — make sure measles, flu, COVID-19, and Tdap are up to date before you arrive. There are no specific travel vaccines recommended for most visitors. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure if you'd like a quick review.

The US has no malaria. Tick-borne diseases like Lyme are a concern in wooded areas of the northeast and Midwest from spring to autumn.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to United States 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

CDC's destination page directs travellers to the US Health Alert Network for current public health issues. Make sure routine vaccines, including measles and flu, are up to date before travel.

Also in North America

Mexico Canada Bermuda Greenland

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — United States.

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.