Travel Vaccine Schedules for Adults
Many travel vaccines require multiple shots or take time to become fully effective. But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an “accelerated schedule,” meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.
How long before travel do I need Hepatitis A vaccination?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally recommends that the first dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine be given as soon as travel to a country with a high risk of Hepatitis A is considered. Ideally, the first dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before travel to allow the body enough time to develop some level of protection.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given 6 months after the first for long-term protection. However, if you're unable to complete the two-dose series before you travel, getting the first shot may still provide some short-term protection.
How long before travel do I need Hepatitis B vaccine?
The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as a series of three shots. The second dose is usually given one month after the first dose, and the third dose usually follows five months after the second. Therefore, ideally, you should start the vaccination process about six months before you plan to travel to ensure full protection.
How long before travel do I need Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
However, in situations where time is limited before travel, an accelerated schedule may be considered, with the second dose given 7 days after the first. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Additionally, remember that the Japanese encephalitis vaccine isn't recommended for all travelers to Asia, but rather for those who plan to spend a month or more in endemic areas during the JE virus transmission season, especially in rural areas, or based on the activities they plan to engage in. Consult a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to assess your specific risk and need for this vaccine.
How long before travel do I need Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MenACWY vaccine should ideally be given at least 10 days before travel to allow your body to develop protection against the disease.
However, remember that the need for this vaccine is dependent on the region you're traveling to and the type of activities you plan to undertake. It's typically recommended for travelers to the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the dry season, and for those attending the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia.
How long before travel do I need Rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine isn't necessary for all travelers. It's typically recommended for travelers who are at higher risk of exposure to rabies because they'll be spending time outdoors in rural areas, especially in areas where medical care may be difficult to access. It's also advised for those who plan to have prolonged stays in countries with a high incidence of rabies.
How long before travel do I need Typhoid vaccine?
Typhoid vaccines are recommended for travelers going to areas where there is a risk of typhoid fever. There are two types of vaccines available: an injectable inactivated vaccine and an oral live attenuated vaccine.
- The injectable vaccine is given as a single dose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting this vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel to allow your body enough time to develop immunity.
- The oral vaccine is given in four doses, with each dose taken every other day. The last dose should be taken at least 1 week before travel.
How long before travel do I need Yellow fever vaccination?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel to allow your body enough time to develop protection against the disease. The vaccine is given as a single injection.
The vaccine provides effective immunity within one month for 99% of those vaccinated. Once vaccinated, immunity against yellow fever is likely lifelong.
How long before travel do I need Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination?
The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is given as a series of three doses for a full primary course. The first two doses are typically given 1-3 months apart, and the third dose is given 5-12 months after the second dose.
When considering travel plans, the first dose should ideally be given at least one month before potential exposure. For more rapid protection, the second dose can be given two weeks after the first dose instead of waiting for 1-3 months. This "rapid" schedule may provide some protection, but the third dose is still required for longer-term protection.
This vaccine is usually recommended for people who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in countries or areas where TBE is common, typically in certain rural or forested areas of Europe and Asia, particularly during the warm season when ticks are active.
How long before travel do I need Polio Vaccine?
The polio vaccine is typically given as a part of routine childhood immunizations in many countries. The primary series is usually given in infancy and early childhood, but a one-time booster dose is recommended for adults who are traveling to areas where polio is endemic or epidemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting this booster dose at least four weeks (28 days) before travel. However, if an adult traveler has never been vaccinated against polio, it's recommended to get the primary series of shots, which are spaced out over several months.
However, the World Health Organization declared the world Polio-free except for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Travelers to these countries or any other regions where an outbreak has occurred may be advised to have an updated vaccination.
How long before travel do I need Cholera Vaccine?
Cholera is a diarrheal illness caused by a bacterial infection. The cholera vaccine (Vaxchora) is available as an oral vaccine for adults 18-64 years old who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the cholera vaccine be taken at least 10 days before travel to a cholera-affected area. The vaccine is given as a single dose.
Cholera is extremely rare in travelers from the United States, and the cholera vaccine is not routinely recommended for most travelers, even those going to areas with active cholera transmission. It might be recommended for people traveling to areas of active cholera transmission who are at high risk for exposure to cholera.
Recommended Travel Immunization Schedule for Adults.
| VACCINE | VACCINATION SCHEDULE | |
|---|---|---|
| CHOLERA (ORAL) | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 Day 7-42 2 years |
| a booster can be given 2 years after the primary course. If more than 2 years have elapsed since cholera vaccination the primary course must be repeated. | ||
| COVID 19 | First dose: Second dose:
|
Day 0 - (Johnson & Johnson - Pfizer-BioNTech - Moderna) Day 21 (Pfizer-BioNTech) - 28 (Moderna)
|
| (Pfizer and Moderna) : a booster can be given at least 5 months after the final dose. (Johnson & Johnson) bosster from Pfizer or Moderna at least 2 months after the primary dose | ||
| DIPHTHERIA | booster -Td or Tdap shot | Every 10 years |
| 5 doses of the combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine are enough to provide long-term protection through adulthood. | ||
| ENCEPHALITIS (JAPANESE) | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 Day 7-14 Day 28 |
| Boost at 2-5 years if needed. | ||
| ENCEPHALITIS (TICK-BORNE) | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 1-3 months 9-12 months |
| Dose 2 on Day 14 if travelling immediately. | ||
| HEPATITIS A | First dose: Second dose:
|
Day 0 6-18 months
|
| Booster dose after 20-25 years | ||
| HEPATITIS B | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 1 month 6 months |
Booster at 5 years or when antibody levels fall. Fast course: Day 0, then 1 month, 2 months, 12 months. Accelerated course: Day 0, 7, 21, then 12 months. |
||
| HEPATITIS A/B COMBINED | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 1 month 6 months |
| as for hepatitis B, fast or accelerated courses available. | ||
| MENINGITIS ACWY | First dose: Second dose: |
Day 0 5 years |
| A certificate of vaccination is required from all visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Umrah or Hajj. | ||
| POLIO | Part of UK schedule | |
| Almost eradicated worldwide. 5 doses of the combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine are enough to provide long-term protection through adulthood. | ||
| RABIES | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 Day 7 Day 21-28 |
| Boost at 2-5 years if needed. | ||
| TYPHOID | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 3 years 3 years |
| Booster: every 3 years if needed. | ||
| YELLOW FEVER | First dose: Second dose: Third dose: |
Day 0 10 years 10 years |
| Booster: every 10 years if needed. Only available from accredited centres. Some countries require a certificate of vaccination before allowing entry. | ||
Travel vaccines. Some vaccines may be required for you to travel to certain places. Travel vaccine summary READ MORE
Protect yourself and your community by getting vaccinated before you travel.
See Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule 2022, from the cdc.gov (external website).
Credit: cdc.gov and patient.info