Travel topic · Safety
Travel vaccines: what most trips need
Get routine shots (MMR, Tdap, varicella) plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid and COVID‑19 if not up‑to‑date; schedule them at least 2 weeks before departure.
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Applies to
Quick guide to the core vaccines most travellers should consider, when to get them, typical costs and common pitfalls, updated for 2026.
Key facts
- Core routine vaccines
- MMR, Tdap, varicella – check your national schedule
- Hepatitis A
- Single dose, protects against food‑borne liver infection; booster 6‑12 months later if risk continues
- Typhoid
- Oral capsules (4‑dose) or injectable; needed for many low‑ and middle‑income destinations
- COVID‑19
- Latest WHO‑approved vaccine; booster within 6 months of travel if eligible
- Timing
- Schedule vaccines 2–8 weeks before travel for full immunity
Short answer
Make sure your routine immunisations (MMR, Tdap, varicella) are current, then add Hepatitis A and Typhoid for most overseas trips. Update COVID‑19 boosters if needed. Start the process at least two weeks before you leave.
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Steps
1. Review your national immunisation record for MMR, Tdap (pertussis) and varicella. If any dose is missing or overdue, book a catch‑up appointment.
2. Check the destination’s health advisory (WHO or local health agency) for required or recommended vaccines.
3. Schedule Hepatitis A (single dose) and Typhoid (oral or injectable) at a travel clinic. These need 2 weeks for protection, so book early.
4. Verify your COVID‑19 vaccination status; get the latest booster if more than 6 months have passed.
5. Keep a copy of your vaccination certificates (paper or digital) for border checks and insurance purposes.
Do
- Ask the clinic about combination vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A + B) to reduce visits.
- If you travel within 4 weeks, some destinations accept a rapid‑immunity schedule for Hepatitis A.
Watch out
- Live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever) should be given at least 10 days before travel; avoid if you are immunocompromised.
Show 4 sectionsHideCosts and timing, Exceptions and special cases, Questions people ask, Related
Costs and timing
Routine shots are usually covered by national health systems; if paid privately, expect $20‑$40 USD per dose.
Hepatitis A: $30‑$60 USD (single dose).
Typhoid oral series: $40‑$80 USD; injectable: $50‑$90 USD.
COVID‑19 booster (approved by WHO): $0‑$30 USD depending on country subsidy.
| Vaccine | Typical cost (2026 estimate) | Time to immunity |
|---|---|---|
| MMR (routine) | $0‑$40 | 2 weeks after dose |
| Tdap (routine) | $0‑$40 | 2 weeks after dose |
| Varicella (routine) | $0‑$40 | 2 weeks after dose |
| Hepatitis A | $30‑$60 | 2 weeks |
| Typhoid (oral) | $40‑$80 | 2 weeks |
| Typhoid (injectable) | $50‑$90 | 2 weeks |
| COVID‑19 booster | $0‑$30 | 1 week |
Prices vary by country and insurance coverage; check local clinic rates (check).
Exceptions and special cases
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to many African and South American countries; it must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
If you are pregnant, avoid live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, MMR) unless the risk of disease outweighs the risk.
Immunocompromised travellers should consult a specialist before receiving any live vaccine and may need alternative protections (e.g., antiviral prophylaxis).
Watch out
- Do not travel with a yellow‑fever certificate older than 10 years; many countries require a fresh dose.
Questions people ask
Travel vaccines: what do I need to know?
Start with your routine immunisations, then add Hepatitis A and Typhoid for most overseas trips. Update COVID‑19 boosters, and check for any country‑specific requirements like yellow fever.
What are the most common mistakes?
Waiting until the last minute, forgetting to verify the 10‑day rule for yellow fever, and assuming routine shots are automatically up‑to‑date without checking records.
What should I do before I travel?
Review your vaccine record, consult a travel clinic at least 2 weeks before departure, obtain required certificates, and carry digital copies for border checks.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Jan 2026
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