Why travel vaccines matter

When people travel, they may visit areas where certain diseases—less common in the U.S.- are more frequently found. In some cases, these illnesses can be prevented with a simple vaccine. Providing travel vaccinations plays a critical role in protecting patients from region-specific infectious diseases and minimizing the risk of those illnesses being reintroduced into the local population. By offering these immunizations, your pharmacy contributes to broader public health and community safety.

Key travel vaccinations and what to know

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most important vaccines travelers might need, and what they should know about them.

Hepatitis A vaccine

The Hep A vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with poor sanitation or limited access to clean water, including parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. The Hep A vaccine protects against the hepatitis A virus, which can spread through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, but some people might feel a little sore at the injection site or run a low-grade fever after receiving a dose. This vaccine is not recommended for children younger than 12 months.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The Hep B vaccine is recommended for travelers going to parts of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific Islands, where infection rates are significantly higher than in the U.S. Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids – including through medical procedures, tattooing or piercing, sexual contact, or even sharing personal items like razors, all of which may carry increased risk when traveling. The Hep B vaccine is safe for most travelers, including children, but those with severe yeast allergies should avoid this vaccine. This vaccine is generally well tolerated but mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or redness and swelling where the shot was given, may occur.

Influenza vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially those at higher risk of complications or traveling to certain destinations during specific times of year. People who should get the flu vaccine include anyone traveling during flu season, high risk individuals like those over 65 or people with weakened immune systems, and travelers going to crowded places. Individuals with severe egg allergies should avoid getting this vaccine unless they are able to receive a cell-based or recombinant version of it. Common side effects of the flu shot include soreness at the injection site and mild flu-like symptoms

Typhoid vaccine

The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travelers visiting regions where typhoid fever is common, especially if they’ll be exposed to unsafe food or water. The vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so safe eating and drinking practices are also essential. This vaccine is available as both an injection and an oral pill, and the choice of which to give depends on factors like age, health status, and travel timeline. The injection form of the vaccine is not suitable for infants under 2 years and the oral version is not suitable for kids under 6. Side effects of the typhoid vaccine include nausea, abdominal pain, or a mild fever.

Cholera vaccine

The cholera vaccine is recommended for travelers at higher risk of exposure to contaminated food or water in areas where cholera outbreaks are occurring or where the disease is endemic.
Travelers to these areas should consider this vaccine, which is given orally. Adults aged 18 to 64 years are the only age group currently approved by the FDA for Vaxchora in the U.S. Side effects of this vaccine are usually mild and may include stomach cramps or diarrhea.

Malaria prophylaxis (antimalarial medication)

Antimalarial medication should be taken by travelers visiting areas where malaria is transmitted, particularly in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, parts of the Middle East and the Caribbean. This medication must be taken before, during, and after the trip, and is generally well tolerated. Side effects may occur and are generally mild, including headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Polio vaccine

Travelers who should get the polio vaccine include those traveling to countries where polio is still endemic or where recent outbreaks have occurred. Although polio may not be common in the U.S., it is still active in some parts of the world so it’s important your patients are protected. If your patients are traveling to these high-risk areas, they may need this vaccine. Side effects of the polio vaccine include mild soreness at the injection site.

Rabies vaccine

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for individuals at higher risk of exposure to the rabies virus due to their travel, occupation, or lifestyle. If your patients are working with animals or traveling to places where rabies is more common, it’s important to discuss this vaccine with them. The rabies vaccine is considered safe for all ages, including infants. Side effects of the vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site or a slight fever.