Immunizations and Antibiotics for Overseas Travel

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow

• General Information
• Specific Vaccine Notes
• Antibiotics and Treatment for Traveler's Diarrhea
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

General Information

Most immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunizations may be denied entry into or exit from a country. In addition, quarantine periods of 1 week or more may be enforced (for cholera, plague, yellow fever).

No vaccinations are required to enter the United States. Standard vaccinations in the United States include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type B, and pneumococcus. Additional vaccinations for travel include hepatitis A, Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcus, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever.

All vaccination series can be started on the same day. The lead time for immunization depends on the types of vaccinations needed. Some vaccination courses can take up to 6 months (such as hepatitis B) to receive all of the required shots. In addition, live-attenuated (weakened) viral vaccines must be spaced a month apart and can affect skin testing for tuberculosis.

Moderate-to-severe illnesses can delay immunizations, but people with mild illnesses can still be vaccinated.