Depending on the region of the world you’re planning to visit, you may need one or more specific vaccines before traveling.
Dr. Benjamín Valente-Acosta, internal medicine physician at ABC Medical Center, explains that when it comes to travel health, the first things to consider are who’s traveling, what kind of trip it is, which region will be visited, and what activities are planned there.
All travelers should be up to date on their standard vaccination schedule. This includes vaccines for influenza, tetanus, shingles, and HPV, along with the pneumococcal vaccine for travelers over 65.
For patients living with HIV, diabetes, cirrhosis, or those on dialysis, the hepatitis A and B vaccines are also recommended, though each case should be reviewed individually with a doctor.
Once the traveler’s individual factors and trip details are known, providers can make specific vaccination and health recommendations. Depending on the destination, these may include:
- Yellow fever vaccine: recommended for travelers visiting Africa, especially those going on safaris, or South America, particularly the Amazon region in Peru or Brazil. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne infection, and this vaccine provides lifelong protection. Once administered, travelers receive a required medical certificate, which is often needed for entry.
- Tetanus vaccine: although this vaccine is part of Mexico’s standard childhood vaccination schedule, it’s important for adults to stay up to date on it as well, many people receive it as children but never get a booster later in life. It should be given once every 10 years, and it’s also especially important for travel to Africa.
- Malaria prevention: travelers visiting South Africa won’t need the yellow fever vaccine but will need malaria prophylaxis (preventive medication) instead. There’s no vaccine for malaria but taking this preventive medication is essential.
It’s also important to keep in mind that vaccines should be given at least three weeks before travel for full protection to take effect.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 200,000 cases of yellow fever occur worldwide each year, resulting in roughly 30,000 deaths. In the Americas, between 1985 and 2012, 95% of cases were concentrated in four countries: Peru (54% of cases), Bolivia (18%), Brazil (16%), and Colombia (7%).
ABC Medical Center has a Travel Clinic, notes Dr. Valente, where staff can address questions about required vaccines and other travel medications, helping ensure a smooth trip and that travelers meet the requirements to board their flight.
Given each traveler’s individual circumstances, such as age, prior vaccinations, destination, and any existing health conditions, it’s important to first schedule a doctor’s visit, who can provide guidance tailored to each specific case.
At ABC Medical Center’s Travel Clinic, part of the Preventive Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
