Summer is finally here, and if you’re like many New Jersey families, you’ve got a trip on the horizon. Maybe it’s a Caribbean cruise, a Central American adventure, a visit to family in South Asia, or a European backpacking excursion. Whatever your destination, one step that often gets overlooked in the excitement of travel planning is making sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Travel immunizations are not just for trips to remote or developing countries. Even popular vacation destinations can carry health risks that are rare or nonexistent in the United States. Getting vaccinated before you go is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect yourself and your family — and it’s something Care Station Medical can help you with quickly, right here in New Jersey.

Why Travel Vaccines Matter

When you travel internationally, you’re potentially exposed to diseases that your immune system has never encountered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel), travelers can be exposed to illnesses including typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, meningitis, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and more — depending on the region.

Even travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFR travelers) are at elevated risk because they may stay in settings that typical tourists don’t — rural areas, local homes without air conditioning or mosquito nets, and regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

The key is starting the vaccination process early. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart. Others take time to build full immunity. Ideally, you should see a travel health provider at least four to six weeks before your departure date — though even a visit one or two weeks before departure is better than nothing.

Common Travel Vaccines for Popular Destinations

The right vaccines for your trip depend on where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and what activities you’ll be doing. Here’s an overview of common travel immunizations:

Hepatitis A
Recommended for most international travelers. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and is common in many parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The vaccine is two doses given six months apart, but even a single dose before travel provides good short-term protection.

Typhoid
Recommended for travel to parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Both injectable and oral versions of the vaccine are available.

Hepatitis B
If you haven’t been vaccinated against hepatitis B (it’s part of the standard childhood vaccination schedule), travel to many parts of Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe warrants this vaccine. It’s also recommended for any traveler who might have medical procedures or close contact with local populations.

Yellow Fever
Required — not just recommended — for entry into certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Only certified travel clinics can administer the yellow fever vaccine and issue the International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”).

Meningococcal Meningitis
Required for travel to Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah, and recommended for travel to the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa. Also worth considering for travel to college campuses or dormitory settings abroad.

Japanese Encephalitis
Recommended for travelers to rural areas of Asia spending extended time outdoors, especially in areas with rice paddies and pig farming, where the mosquito-borne virus is more prevalent.

Rabies (Pre-Exposure)
Recommended for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who may have contact with animals in areas where rabies is endemic. Pre-exposure vaccination doesn’t eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment, but it simplifies and reduces the urgency of that treatment.

Don’t Forget Routine Vaccinations

Before worrying about destination-specific vaccines, make sure your routine vaccinations are current. The CDC recommends (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/) that all travelers be up to date on:

– MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
– Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
– Flu vaccine (especially for international travel or cruise ships)
– COVID-19 (check current requirements for your destination)
– Polio (some destinations still require proof of vaccination)

These may seem routine, but outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases have occurred in countries that previously had them under control.

Malaria Prevention: More Than Just a Vaccine

Malaria is one of the most serious travel health risks in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America — and there’s currently no widely available vaccine for travelers. Prevention relies on prescription antimalarial medications combined with avoiding mosquito bites through:

– Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
– Using DEET-based insect repellent
– Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets
– Staying in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations

Our providers can assess your destination’s malaria risk and prescribe the appropriate preventive medication.

Additional Travel Health Tips for Summer 2026

Beyond vaccinations and malaria prevention, here are a few health tips for NJ travelers heading out this summer:

– Travelers’ diarrhea: Consider packing an antibiotic prescription for self-treatment (ask your provider). Stay hydrated and use caution with street food and tap water.
– Sun protection: New Jersey summers are warm, but many travel destinations are closer to the equator — sunburn happens fast. Pack SPF 50 and reapply frequently.
– Travel insurance with medical evacuation: If you’re going somewhere remote, make sure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation.
– Medications: Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra, in original containers, with a letter from your prescriber.

Get Your Travel Vaccines at Care Station Medical — Fast and Convenient

Care Station Medical offers travel immunizations at our New Jersey locations without the weeks-long wait of some travel clinics. Our experienced providers will review your itinerary, assess your personal health history, and recommend the right vaccinations and preventive measures for your specific trip.

We have locations in Linden, Springfield, West Orange, Secaucus, Garwood, and Succasunna. No appointment is necessary for most services, and same-day visits are welcome.

Book your travel health appointment today at carestationmedical.com or call (908) 925-CARE (2273). Don’t wait — some vaccines need time to take effect before your departure date.