Travel Vaccines
11 travel vaccines explained — what they protect against, who needs them, and when to get them. Based on CDC Yellow Book 2026.
Food & Water
Spread via food & water
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Typhoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Cholera
A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, causing severe diarrhoea. Rare in travellers but worth considering for aid workers or travel to areas with active outbreaks.
A single oral dose at least 10 days before travel. Not routinely recommended for most US travellers — careful food, water, and handwashing habits are the main protection.
Mosquito
Spread via mosquito
Japanese Encephalitis
A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.
Two doses 28 days apart. Adults 18–65 can use an accelerated 0 and 7 days schedule. Complete the second dose at least a week before travel.
Yellow Fever
A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.
One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.
Chikungunya
A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.
A single dose for people 12 and older. Recommended if travelling to an area with an active outbreak, or if planning an extended stay (6+ months) in a high-risk region.
Airborne
Spread via airborne
Blood & Body Fluids
Spread via blood & body fluids
Hepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.
Mpox
A viral illness spread through close skin-to-skin contact, often during sex. CDC advises vaccination for travellers anticipating new sexual partners or exposure at large public events in at-risk regions.
Two doses 4 weeks apart (JYNNEOS). Best protection is about 2 weeks after the second dose — ideally start 6 weeks before travel. Evidence suggests protection lasts at least 7 years; no booster needed.
Animal Contact
Spread via animal contact
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Two pre-exposure doses 7 days apart. Immunity peaks 2–4 weeks after the second dose. After any animal exposure you still need further shots, but pre-travel vaccination removes the need for rabies immune globulin, which is hard to find in many countries.
Tick-borne Encephalitis
A viral brain infection spread by tick bites in parts of Europe and northern Asia. Worth considering for outdoor travellers planning hiking, camping, or forest activities in affected regions.
Three-dose series over 5–12 months. Protection lasts at least 10 years after the primary series with a booster. Not useful for last-minute travel.
Routine Vaccines
Keep these up to date before any international travel
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
A combined vaccine protecting against three contagious viral illnesses. CDC advises every international traveller to be fully vaccinated against measles before any trip.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A combined vaccine protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria is now mainly seen in international travellers, so a current Tdap booster is especially relevant before a trip.
Polio
A virus spread through contaminated food and water that can cause paralysis. Adults travelling to countries with ongoing polio risk may need a one-time booster.
Flu (Influenza)
A seasonal respiratory virus. Flu circulates year-round in tropical regions and during opposite seasons in the southern hemisphere, so a recent shot is advised for most international travellers.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
A highly contagious viral illness. CDC lists international travellers as a priority group for vaccination if not already immune. Most people vaccinated as children or who've had chickenpox are protected for life.
Shingles
A painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Recommended for adults 50 and over as part of routine care, not specifically for travel.
COVID-19
A respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. CDC advises all eligible travellers to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Looking for country-specific advice? Search a destination to see exactly which of these vaccines apply to your trip.