Travel Vaccines
With summer right around the corner, you are probably thinking about taking a vacation to catch up on your relaxation, or maybe just a change of scenery, whatever the case, you will be asking yourself questions like, “Do you have to be vaccinated to fly?” The easy answer is yes, or it’s highly recommended. Vaccines are necessary to protect travelers going around the U.S. as well as outside of the country, from getting diseases that may not normally be a threat where you’re from. HealthCARE Express has all the answers to any potential questions and concerns you may have about travel vaccines.
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Do you have to be vaccinated to fly?
In some cases yes! If you are traveling outside of the U.S. a yellow fever vaccination is required to be able to travel to some countries. Healthcare Express carries several other vaccines that are commonly needed for safe travel including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Visit our Immunizations & Vaccinations Page for a complete list of vaccines offered at Healthcare Express. Check the travel & health requirements of your destination country or airline to be sure that you understand which vaccines may be needed for your trip.
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Do you need to be vaccinated to travel?
If you are traveling by personal vehicle or public transportation, then it is not required for you to be vaccinated although it is highly recommended. For air travel, see above answer. Cruises have their own requirements for vaccinations, and you should see their specific requirements on their website. It is always safe to assume that you will be required to be up to date on all vaccinations.
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Why should I get vaccinations before traveling?
Like we mentioned earlier, depending on where you are traveling, you are likely to be exposed to diseases that are not common in the United States or your specific state. For example, measles are not as common in the U.S. anymore, but is still a strong disease in other countries, with outbreaks happening frequently. Depending on your personal health history, you may also be required to have more vaccines as a way to protect yourself against really common diseases like malaria and/or yellow fever. Always better to be safe than sorry.
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How far ahead should I get vaccinations before traveling?
It is recommended that you schedule your vaccinations at least a month before your travel plans. With the increased need of vaccinations, certain vaccines might only be available at a limited number of locations at a limited time. Call ahead to your vaccination location to ensure they have the right vaccinations available.
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How long does immunity from travel vaccinations last?
The immunity time depends on the vaccine type. If you are going to a new clinic that you haven’t visited previously, make sure you take your vaccine records to help the doctor and nurses have an easier time figuring out the best vaccinations for you. They will give you all the details of the vaccines you receive.
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To save money, is it ok to get travel vaccinations in a different country?
The CDC doesn’t recommend getting travel vaccines in another country because most vaccines need to be administered ahead of time in order to give you full protection. Vaccines in other countries may also be different than the ones your body is used to in the United States and as a result they may be less effective.
Routine, Required, and Recommended Vaccines
Routine vaccines and immunizations are recommended for everyone in the U.S. depending on their age and health conditions. These are the common vaccines that are required before sports, starting school, and other common vaccines like the flu vaccination. Required vaccines are ones that are required for travel, like the COVID-19 vaccine, and other vaccines that are required by the CDC to protect your health and the health of others to the best of your ability. Recommended vaccines are everything else that the CDC specifically recommends travelers, and people of all ages to get.
HealthCARE Express Gives Vaccinations for Travel
Getting vaccinated before traveling, or just in general is the most effective way to keep yourself and others safe from certain diseases. Vaccination requirements can change at any time, so it’s important to stay up to date on all CDC recommendations and guidelines. Here at HealthCARE Express, we have 17 different urgent care locations that are all equipped with trained professionals who can provide the necessary vaccine services before you travel. Although we provide many vaccines, we do not provide the vaccine for COVID-19. We only test for this disease. Visit our website to find a location near you, stop by in person, or give us a call to chat about the best route for you and your travel plans.
