Summer is here, and for many New Jersey residents, that means international flights, family road trips, and adventure travel. Whether you’re heading to Central America, Europe, Southeast Asia, or anywhere in between, making sure your vaccinations are current is one of the most important steps you can take before you board that plane.

Travel-related illnesses are more common than most people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) estimates that up to 50% of travelers to developing countries will experience some form of travel-related illness. The good news is that many of the most serious risks can be significantly reduced with the right vaccinations and pre-travel health planning.

WHY TRAVEL VACCINATIONS MATTER

Vaccines work best when given well before your trip — ideally four to six weeks in advance, though some protection is better than none even if you’re traveling sooner. Different destinations carry different disease risks, and your vaccination needs depend on:

– Where you’re traveling (country, region, urban vs. rural)
– How long you’ll be there
– What activities you plan to do
– Your age, health status, and current vaccination history

Skipping travel vaccines isn’t just risky for you — it can also put the people you travel with and the communities you visit at risk.

COMMON TRAVEL VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Hepatitis A: Recommended for most international travel, especially to areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Hepatitis B: Recommended for destinations where blood-to-blood or sexual contact with locals is possible, or where medical care quality may vary. Common in parts of Africa and Asia.

Typhoid: Recommended for travel to South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Spread through contaminated food and water.

Yellow Fever: Required for entry into certain African and South American countries. A certificate of vaccination may be mandated at the border.

Meningitis: Recommended for college students and certain African destinations (meningitis belt). Required for travel to Saudi Arabia during Hajj/Umrah pilgrimages.

Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for travelers spending significant time in rural parts of Asia and the Pacific.

Rabies pre-exposure: Considered for travelers doing outdoor activities in areas where rabies is prevalent, particularly Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Don’t forget routine vaccinations as well. The Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/vaccines/art-20046138) recommends ensuring you’re up to date on flu, COVID-19, Td (tetanus/diphtheria), MMR, and Varicella before traveling internationally.

MALARIA PREVENTION AND OTHER NON-VACCINE PRECAUTIONS

Not every travel health risk can be prevented with a vaccine. For destinations with malaria risk, our providers can prescribe prophylactic antimalarial medications. We also provide counseling on:

– Insect repellent use and protective clothing
– Food and water safety
– Managing traveler’s diarrhea
– Altitude sickness prevention
– Safe sun and heat management for tropical destinations

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR TRAVEL HEALTH APPOINTMENT

Make the most of your pre-travel visit by bringing:

– Your current vaccination records or immunization history
– Your travel itinerary (destinations, dates, planned activities)
– A list of current medications and any known allergies
– Information about any chronic health conditions

PLAN AHEAD — BUT WALK IN IF YOU’RE SHORT ON TIME

The ideal pre-travel consultation happens 4–6 weeks before your departure. However, even if you’re leaving in a week or less, it’s still worth coming in. Some vaccines can be given on an accelerated schedule, and any protection is better than none.

Care Station Medical offers travel immunization consultations at multiple New Jersey locations. Our providers will review your travel plans, assess your vaccination history, and provide all required and recommended vaccines in a single visit.

Walk into a Care Station Medical location near you, or call (908) 925-CARE (2273) to schedule your pre-travel health consultation. Travel smart this summer.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.