Who should look into getting it: Typhoid is most common in places where food may be prepared in less sanitary settings. Some of the countries with higher rates of typhoid include Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, as well as places in Africa and Latin America. “The vaccine is not required, but if you’re going to be more adventurous with your eating habits, enjoying street food like Anthony Bourdain, this vaccine is a good idea,” says Dr. Caplivski.
Japanese Encephalitis
Why it’s important: Another disease that’s spread by mosquitoes, Japanese encephalitis usually leads to mild symptoms but, in some people, can cause inflammation in their brain, which can lead to seizures, headaches, disorientation, and in extreme cases, even comas.
Who should look into getting it: People going to parts of Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, but you only need the vaccine if you’re traveling during the time of year when the virus is transmitted (the season depends on the exact location), staying in the country for a long time, or spending a lot of time in rural areas. “This vaccine is definitely a good idea if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy stuff,” Dr. Caplivski adds.
Shingles
Why it’s important: Caused by the same virus as chicken pox, shingles can lead to a painful rash with blisters that can take weeks to clear up. In some cases, it can cause lasting nerve pain. And one of its triggers? Stress, which is usually an element of travel. “Traveling abroad is a stressful situation,” says Dr. Caplivski. “So, shingles is on the list of things that’s nice to prevent before you go.”
Who should look into getting it: Shingles is more common the older you are. “Once you turn 50, it’s recommended you get two doses of the shingles vaccine for routine health,” says Dr. Caplivski.
Tetanus
Why it’s important: Tetanus can occur after certain cuts or scrapes and leads to painful, stiff muscles. If you don’t get treated, you could struggle to breathe and/or swallow, resulting in a life-threatening situation. When traveling, it’s nice to know you’re protected with the vaccine in case something happens.
Who should look into getting it: If you haven’t had a tetanus booster within the last 10 years, get one before heading off on your trip. “This is one of the routine vaccinations that’s recommended before you travel because if you get a cut or scrape abroad, it’s nice to have it up to date,” says Dr. Caplivski.
Rabies
Why it’s important: Do most people get bitten by an animal while traveling? No. But if you do happen to get bitten or scratched on your trip by an animal with rabies, you could experience severe symptoms—even death if left untreated.
Who should look into getting it: This depends on the specifics of your travel plans. “If you are going to have zero animal exposure, you probably don’t need to get it, and many countries offer rabies treatments you can get,” says Dr. Flores. “But if you’re going backpacking through the mountains of Kazakhstan off the grid for a week, you should get the rabies vaccine.”
Timing Your Vaccines
Experts recommend thinking about vaccines as soon as you decide on a destination. “Some vaccines need time to be able to kick in before your trip and others require multiple doses that have to be spaced out,” says Dr. Flores. For example, shingles involves two doses separated by two to six months, and hepatitis A also needs two doses, with six months between doses.
While this all can seem like a lot, travel medicine doctors are able to help you narrow the list down to the ones you really need and come up with a plan to keep you as safe as possible, no matter your destination.
