Patient Information on Foreign Travel Immunizations
Actual immunizations needed will depend upon your itinerary, age, and previous vaccine history.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Immunization /
Service
Cost
Number in Series
and Schedule
Possible Side Effects
Travel Consultation
Minimum 8-10 weeks prior to
departure.
Hepatitis A
$90.00 each
$180/series
2 injections
2nd shot 6-12 months after
first.
Booster every 10 years to
maintain immunity.
Soreness at injection site,
headache, malaise.
Hepatitis B
$90 each
$270/series
3 injections over 6 months
Accelerated schedule:
3 doses over 2 months.
Booster one year later.
Soreness, redness, itching
at injection site. Mild
fatigue, fever, headache,
nausea.
$40
Soreness at injection site
Possibly annually.
for up to 2 days. Fever,
Needed year round in the
malaise and muscle pain 6Tropics and April - September
12 hours after shot, lasting
in the Southern Hemisphere.
1-2 days.
MMR (Measles,
Mumps, Rubella)
$80
1 injection needed if born
after 1957, with no history of
measles illness, and one or
no prior MMR vaccinations.
Burning, stinging, pain or
rash at injection site, mildmoderate fever.
Meningococcal
(meningitis)
$100
1 injection.
Booster every 10 years to
maintain immunity.
Redness at site for 1-2 days.
$40
1 injection.
Booster every 10 years to
maintain immunity.
Pain, swelling, and redness
at injection site.
Influenza
Pneumococcal
(pneumonia)
$80 each
Polio
Tetanus/Diphtheria
or Tetanus Toxoid
($240/series,
if needed)
$50 adult
$40 child
1 injection if fully immunized
in childhood.
Unvaccinated adults:
Pain, swelling, and redness
3 injections, 1 month apart.
at site.
If limited time before travel,
get additional injections upon
return.
1 injection
Booster every 5-10 years to
maintain immunity.
Soreness, redness &
swelling at the injection site.
Pain may extend from
shoulder to elbow. Fever for
1-3 days.
Typhoid Injection or
Oral Typhoid
Varicella
(Chicken Pox)
$80/injection
(pharmacy
1 injection.
cost plus
Booster in 3 years.
administration) Or
4 capsules taken over 6 days.
~$60/oral
Booster in 5 years.
Capsules can sometimes be
Costs depend difficult to locate.
on pharmacy
$95
Needed only If no history of
chicken pox or no prior
vaccine
under age 13: 1 injection.
age 13 and over: 2 injections
4 - 8 weeks apart.
Nausea, abdominal
pain/cramps, vomiting,
fever, headache, rash. Pain,
redness, and hardness at
site. Fewer side effects with
oral vaccine.
Redness, hardness at site.
Fever and chicken pox-type
rash.
To Reduce the Side Effects of Immunizations:



Apply a cold compress to the injection site if it becomes red, swollen, and/or tender.
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) prior to and after immunizations to decrease fever and body
aches.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU DEVELOP HIVES AFTER RECEIVING ANY
IMMUNIZATION. Also, immediately take and anti-histamine (Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, or
Zyrtec).
Other Ways to Protect Yourself While Traveling:








Medication Containers: Carry all medications in their original, labeled containers.
Automobile Safety: Wear seat belt; learn rules of the road and the meaning of road signs for
the country in which you are traveling.
Crime: Leave valuables at home; wear money belt; keep rental car locked with no items
visible.
Jet Lag: Take over-the-counter Melatonin, or prescription Ambien, Sonata or Halcion.
Malaria: Prescription medication taken prior to, during, and after travel. Use DEET-based
insect repellents; wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants beginning at sunset; avoid
perfumes and after-shaves; use mosquito netting.
Medical Care Abroad: Ask physician for a listing of IMMAT-approved physicians. Carry with
you your record of immunizations.
Motion Sickness: Prescription Transderm Scop patch.
Traveler's Diarrhea: Prescription antibiotic with over-the-counter Imodium. Drink plenty of
fluids. Boil water or treat with chlorine or iodine; drink only bottled and canned beverages
(no ice); peel your own fruit and vegetables; cook all foods thoroughly and eat while
steaming hot (do not eat reheated foods). Seek medical care if diarrhea is severe, bloody,
continues more than a few days, or is accompanied by chills and fever.
For More Information:








CDC to receive faxed documents regarding international travel: 888-232-3299
CDC Immunization Information Hotline: 800-232-2522 (Spanish and English)
CDC Travelers' Health Hotline 877-394-8747
CDC Travel Health Information (select "Traveler's Health")
CDC's "The Yellow Book" (Health information for international travel) (select "Reference
Materials")
CDC cruise ship sanitation scores (select "Cruise Ships)
Travel Medicine, Inc. for information and health-related travel products
US Department of State (travel warnings)