Traveling abroad may increase the risk of infection with diseases different from those found in the home country. Receiving appropriate vaccines can help prevent these diseases and is also a requirement for entry into some destination countries.
Recommended vaccines can be divided into 3 main categories:
- Vaccines required by the destination country
- Vaccines recommended to prevent common diseases in the area
- Basic vaccines that should be received before traveling
1. Vaccines required by the destination country
Some countries have laws requiring travelers to be vaccinated before entry, such as
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Required for travel to certain countries in Africa and South America
- The World Health Organization (WHO) requires travelers to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever vaccination
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Required for travelers performing Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia requires travelers to receive this vaccine at least 10 days before travel and to have a vaccination certificate
2. Vaccines recommended for travelers to high-risk areas
These vaccines are not legally required but are recommended to prevent diseases commonly found in certain areas
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Recommended for travelers to countries with poor sanitation
- Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Recommended for travelers who may require medical treatment or are at risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids
- Typhoid Vaccine
- Recommended for travelers to developing countries such as India, Bangladesh, and countries in Africa
- Prevents bacterial infection by Salmonella typhi through contaminated food and water
- Rabies Vaccine
- Recommended for those who may come into contact with pets or wild animals, such as hikers
- Cholera Vaccine
- Recommended for travelers to areas with cholera outbreaks
- Influenza Vaccine
- Recommended annually, especially for travelers who will be on airplanes or in crowded places
3. Basic vaccines that should be received before traveling
Although some vaccines are given since childhood, it is recommended to check immunity and receive boosters if necessary, including
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap/Td Vaccine)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine (MMR Vaccine)
- Varicella Vaccine
- Polio Vaccine
Recommendations before vaccination
- Consult a doctor in advance, at least 4-6 weeks before traveling
- Check the requirements of the destination country through WHO or CDC websites
- Keep vaccination certificates, especially for vaccines required for travel
Recommended vaccines for travel to each continent and country
Traveling to different regions of the world may carry different disease risks. Therefore, travelers should receive appropriate vaccines to prevent common diseases in those areas.
Africa
Africa has a high risk of many infectious diseases, especially those transmitted by mosquitoes and foodborne diseases.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for Africa
- Yellow Fever Vaccine is required for some countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo (vaccination certificate required)
- Meningococcal Vaccine is recommended for areas in the Meningitis Belt, the epidemic zone of meningitis, covering central and western Africa
- Typhoid Vaccine prevents diseases transmitted through food and water
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
- Malaria Prophylaxis – no vaccine available, but preventive medication should be used
- Rabies Vaccine if traveling to rural areas
South America
South America is an area with mosquito-borne and animal-borne infectious diseases such as yellow fever and malaria.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for South America
- Yellow Fever Vaccine is required for some countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru (certificate required)
- Typhoid Vaccine prevents gastrointestinal diseases
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
- Malaria Prophylaxis – preventive medication is recommended if traveling to the Amazon region
Asia
Asia has risks related to hygiene and animal-borne diseases.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for Asia
- Typhoid Vaccine recommended for India, Bangladesh, Vietnam
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines should be given before travel
- Rabies Vaccine especially in India and Cambodia
- Meningococcal Vaccine required for travelers performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine recommended for travelers to rural areas in China, Japan, India, Thailand
Europe
Europe has a low risk of serious infectious diseases but basic vaccines should be given before travel.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for Europe
- Influenza Vaccine – recommended for winter; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap/Td) – booster recommended
- Meningococcal Vaccine – recommended for those studying abroad in Europe
North America
North America has vaccine requirements similar to Europe.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for North America
- Influenza Vaccine recommended especially during winter
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap/Td) booster recommended
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine (MMR) required if never vaccinated
- Varicella Vaccine required for those never infected
- Meningococcal Vaccine recommended for those studying abroad, such as students in Europe
Australia and Pacific Islands
Generally, Australia has a low risk, but some areas of the Pacific Islands have risks of tropical diseases.
Necessary and recommended vaccines for Australia and the Pacific
- Influenza Vaccine recommended for travelers
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines recommended for travelers to the Pacific Islands
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine recommended if traveling to New Guinea
Important vaccines to check before traveling
- Yellow Fever Vaccine required for some countries in Africa and South America
- Meningococcal Vaccine required for Hajj and Umrah participants
- Typhoid and Cholera Vaccines for Asia and Africa
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines for all continents
- Rabies Vaccine for rural areas
- Influenza Vaccine for Europe, America, Australia
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for Asia and the Pacific Islands
Additional recommendations
- Vaccines should be administered at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Yellow Card, is a travel document for international travel
Vaccination before travel is an important measure to reduce the risk of infection and disease spread. Vaccine selection depends on the destination, travel duration, and planned activities. Travelers should consult a doctor and prepare before departure for safety and good health throughout the trip.
Dr. Supitcha Ongkittikul
Chief Physician, Infectious Diseases Medicine
Phyathai 3 Hospital
