Flights and hotels are easy to book. Travel vaccines are the step most people skip, and the one that can keep a holiday from turning into a hospital visit.
Travel vaccinations protect you against illnesses common at your destination but rare at home. Plan them 4 to 6 weeks before departure so immunity has time to build.
What travel vaccines are
Travel vaccines (travel immunizations) protect against diseases more common in specific countries than at home. They cut your risk and help limit spread when you return.
Children need separate planning. See travel vaccination for kids.
Why travel vaccines matter before you fly
They protect against serious illness abroad, reduce transmission at home and abroad, and remove one major unknown from your trip planning.
Common travel vaccines (by disease)
| Vaccine | Doses | Duration of Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | 1 dose per season | 6 months to 1 year |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses (0,6 months) | 10 to 20 years; no booster is recommended after completing 2 doses. |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses (0,1,6 months) | 5 to 10 years; Pre-vaccination, a serology test may be done to confirm if you are still protected. |
| Typhoid | 1 dose, booster every 3 years | 3 years |
| Meningococcal B | 2 doses (0,6 months for healthy patients) | ~3 years |
| Meningococcal quadrivalent | 2 doses, (0,2 months), booster every 5 years | 5 years |
| Japanese encephalitis (imojev, live vaccine) | 1 dose | 5 years |
| Yellow Fever | 1 dose | 10 years |
| Rabies | 3 doses (0,7,28 days) | ~6 months to 2 years |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 2 doses (0,2 months) | ~10-20 years |
| Diphtheria | 1 dose, booster every 10 years | 10 years |
| Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) | 2 does (0, 1 month) | 20 years |
How to plan vaccines with a travel clinic
Book a travel-medicine consult
See a travel clinic or travel-medicine doctor 4–6 weeks before departure. Bring itinerary, dates, activities (rural travel, animals, medical care abroad), and health history.
Information to bring to the appointment
Country list, trip length, adventure or rural plans, pregnancy status, current vaccines, and allergies.
Why timing matters (multi-dose schedules)
Some vaccines need multiple doses or two weeks to build immunity. Finish the full series before departure.
Last-minute shots may not protect you in time. Start planning as soon as flights are booked.
Making the vaccination appointment easier
Before: research destination vaccines, hydrate, wear loose sleeves.
After mild reactions: rest, fluids, OTC pain relief if needed. Report severe reactions to the clinic.
After vaccination: protection limits and travel hygiene
Vaccines lower risk but do not remove it. Still practice hand hygiene, safe food and water, insect repellent, and avoiding sick contacts.
Check outbreak advisories for your destination before and during travel.
Vaccines by destination region
Southeast and East Asia (including Japan routes)
Typical recommendations: Hepatitis A and B, influenza, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural/long stays), cholera (selected risk), rabies (animal exposure), malaria prophylaxis where endemic.
Japan-specific list: travel vaccines for Japan.
Middle East and North Africa
Meningococcal (including Hajj/Umrah requirements where applicable), influenza, hepatitis A and B, cholera, polio, typhoid, rabies.
Australia, Pacific Islands, and Oceania
Hepatitis A and B, influenza, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural areas), rabies, malaria prophylaxis in parts of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, influenza, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever (often required for entry), malaria prophylaxis.
Yellow fever is mosquito-borne. Vaccination is required for entry to many African and some South American countries.
North America and Western Europe
Often meningococcal (college-age or outbreak contexts), influenza, hepatitis A and B. Routine vaccines should be up to date.
Central and South America
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, influenza, rabies, yellow fever (Amazon basin and entry rules), malaria prophylaxis in endemic zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
I will be travelling in less than a week, is it advisable to get a vaccination now?
It depends on how long your trip is. For optimal results, you should be vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. Immunity after vaccination normally takes up to 2 weeks to develop. Do check with our doctors on the vaccinations required of the country you are travelling to.
Will I fall sick as a result of the vaccination?
A vaccination will not make you sick, but you may develop body ache or fever because your immune system is reacting to the vaccination(s).During consultation, the doctor will advise you on the possible side effects of the vaccination(s) that you are taking.
I am now on antibiotics, can I still proceed with the travel vaccination?
If you are on antibiotics, you are likely to be ill. It is better to delaythe vaccination until you are well.
I have done a travel vaccination before, how do I know if I need to do it again?
It depends on the type of vaccination. The immunity level, and length of protection is different for each vaccination. Some vaccinations require an annual update, while others can last for a few years.
I am currently pregnant, can I still get vaccinated?
It varies with different vaccines. Please discuss with a doctor on your suitability.
I am having a flu / cold, can I still proceed with a vaccination?
If there is a fever or if you have just recovered from a fever, it is best to plan the vaccination later.
Are children required to be vaccinated?
It depends on the vaccine and where the children are travelling to. Your doctor will require information on the current child's immunization records before being able to advise accordingly.
Book your travel vaccines 4 to 6 weeks out
Consult a healthcare professional, follow vaccination schedules, and keep preventive habits while traveling.
Traveling with kids? Read travel vaccines for children. For Japan, see vaccines for Japan. Ask a travel clinic about your full itinerary.
