Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need travel shots?
Getting immunized with travel vaccines is a good investment in your health for several reasons:
- Some countries will require proof of vaccination against diseases like yellow fever and meningitis before they will permit entry.
- In many countries around the world, diseases such as polio and hepatitis A are endemic (always present) and can present a major health threat.
- Many diseases are spread through contaminated food and water (hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid fever), and since a traveler must consume food and water from local supplies, it is wise to be protected against these diseases.
- Several travel vaccines will also protect against diseases found here in the United States (tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis).
- As an added benefit, many vaccines offer protection for 10 years to a lifetime, which means safe and worry-free travel for years to come.
How do I know which shots I should receive?
Family Travel Medical Consultants recommends vaccines based on the Centers for Disease Control protocols and outbreak notifications. We carry all vaccines and are a certified yellow fever vaccination center.
Do some countries require certain vaccines for entry?
Yellow fever is the only vaccine that is required by some countries for entry. There is one exception - Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningitis vaccination for all travelers arriving for Hajj or Umra. All other vaccines are recommended to travelers depending on the country to be visited, the length of stay, and the travel itinerary.
I've received some of these vaccines in the past. How do I know if I need a booster?
This is how long the vaccines are effective (i.e. if it's been longer than this since you were immunized, you need a booster):
- Hepatitis A — 10 years (after second dose; relatively new vaccine; recommendations not finalized)
- Typhoid VI (injectable typhoid) — 2 years
- Vivotif (oral typhoid) — 5 years
- Hepatitis B — obtain a blood test to determine if still protected
- Rabies - either revaccinate after 2 years or obtain a blood test to determine if still protected
- Yellow fever — 10 years
- Meningococcal — 3 years
- Japanese encephalitis — 3 years
- Tetanus-diphtheria — 10 years
- Measles — lifetime (after second dose)
- Varicella(Chickenpox) — lifetime (after second dose)
- Polio — lifetime (after a single adult booster)
- Influenza — 4-6 months
How far ahead of my trip should I receive travel vaccines?
Ideally, travel vaccines should be given at least two to four weeks before an individual travels. This delay allows the immune system enough time to produce protective antibody levels against the disease. Some vaccines are given in a series and should be started four to five weeks before travel. It is never too late or too early to protect yourself!
Do I need other things for travel beside vaccinations?
Depending on your destination, you may need a prescription for anti-malaria pills. Sometimes travelers can also benefit from medications that prevent high altitude and sea sickness. Insect repellent with DEET is also useful for many destinations.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of travel vaccines?
Most health insurance companies consider international travel an elective activity and therefore do not cover travel vaccines. It is always wise to contact your health insurance company for a claim form and submit it with the detailed receipt you will receive at your office visit for a possible reimbursement.
