Travel Vaccine Basics

Chikungunya virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of this illness are fever and joint pain (arthritis). Travelers going to areas where there is a chikungunya outbreak and those at high risk of severe illness who may be exposed should discuss vaccination with a healthcare provider.

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and is typically spread by fecal contamination of food or water. It causes severe watery diarrhea. Vaccination is recommended only for certain travelers who may be unable to avoid consuming contaminated food or water in areas where cholera is spreading.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which typically spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles. It occurs worldwide. Travelers should be up to date on COVID-19 vaccination according to current recommendations.

Dengue viruses are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue is an illness that causes a high fever and body aches. It can have serious complications. Dengue occurs in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. A vaccine is licensed and recommended for certain children who live in areas where dengue spreads, but vaccination is not recommended for travelers.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the skin or airways that is spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected wounds. The disease exists in parts of the world where diphtheria-containing vaccines are not used or where few people get vaccinated. Vaccination is routine in the United States. Travelers who are not up to date can become infected.

Hepatitis A virus causes liver disease that can last weeks or months. Hepatitis A virus is typically spread to travelers who consume fecally contaminated food or water. It is common in many parts of the world. Vaccination of all children is routinely recommended in the United States. Unvaccinated travelers should be vaccinated before travel to areas where hepatitis A is common.

Hepatitis B virus can cause liver disease that may lead to chronic infection, liver failure, or cancer. The virus can spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people. Hepatitis B occurs worldwide. CDC recommends vaccination of all people through age 59 years. Unvaccinated travelers should be vaccinated before travel to areas where hepatitis B is common.

Influenza is an acute illness that causes fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms. Severe illness can lead to hospitalization or death. This virus causes seasonal epidemics each year during winter months. It occurs worldwide. Annual seasonal vaccination is routinely recommended in the United States. Travelers who have not had a current seasonal vaccine should get one before travel.

JE virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito in some parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Infection may lead to severe disease and death. The risk to most U.S. travelers is very low. Vaccination may be recommended for certain travelers based on where they are going, what they plan to do, and for how long.

Measles virus is highly contagious. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It causes a high fever, pinkeye, and a rash, and it can lead to pneumonia and other severe complications. Vaccination is routine in the United States and is very effective. Most U.S. measles cases occur among unvaccinated travelers who get infected while traveling internationally and people they encounter who are not fully vaccinated.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that spreads through close contact with an infected person, including sharing drinks, cigarettes, or kissing. Although rare, it occurs worldwide. Vaccination is recommended for travelers to parts of the world where it is more likely, such as the “meningitis belt” of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as travelers to the Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Mpox is caused by a virus related to smallpox. It is generally spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Historically, it was primarily found in central and west Africa, but it can be found in other parts of the world, including the United States. Vaccination is recommended for people who plan to have close contact with people who may be infected.

Mumps virus infection is spread by contact with infectious saliva or respiratory droplets. It often causes salivary gland swelling and is common in many parts of the world. Vaccination is routinely recommended in the United States. Unvaccinated travelers are at risk.

Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or bloodstream infections. It occurs worldwide. Vaccination is routinely recommended for all children, people with certain health conditions, and older adults in the United States. Travelers should be up to date.

Polio is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is spread from fecally-contaminated food or drink. It can cause paralysis and may lead to withered limbs. Vaccination is routine for children in the United States. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk. Adult travelers to a polio-affected country who were vaccinated in childhood may need a one-time adult booster dose.

Rabies is a deadly brain disease caused by a virus in the saliva of infected mammals. Although any mammal can transmit rabies, dog bites are how most travelers get rabies. Vaccination is recommended for certain travelers based on where they are going, what they plan to do, and for how long.

Rubella is a rash illness caused by a virus. It can cause severe birth defects in infants whose mothers are infected during pregnancy. It has been eliminated through vaccination in South and North America. Vaccination is routinely recommended in the United States. Unvaccinated travelers going to areas with rubella can get infected.

Tetanus is a disease that causes severe muscle spasms (“lockjaw”) caused by bacteria typically found in soil. The bacteria are present worldwide and any unvaccinated person can get it. Vaccination is routinely recommended in the United States. Travelers should be up to date on tetanus vaccination.

TBE is a serious infection caused by a virus transmitted primarily by the bite of infected ticks in parts of Asia and Europe. It can cause symptoms such as brain swelling or seizures. Vaccination is recommended for certain travelers depending on where they are going, what they plan to do, and for how long.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria spread where water and food may be contaminated with feces and sanitation is poor. Vaccination is recommended for certain travelers based on where they are going and what they plan to do.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial illness that can cause fits of uncontrollable coughing. It occurs worldwide. Vaccination is routinely recommended in the United States. Travelers should be up to date.

Yellow fever virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and causes a serious illness that can be fatal. It is found in certain parts of South America and Africa. Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to areas where yellow fever occurs, depending on where they are going and what they plan to do. Some countries require travelers who enter to have official proof of vaccination.