---
title: "Travel vaccines: what to do before an international trip"
license: public-domain
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, \"Plan for Travel Vaccines\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-11-02
category: travel
checked_on: 2026-11-02
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
license_note: "Every fact below restates US government public-domain pages listed under sources. This summary is also offered as public domain."
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public domain (US government work); use does not imply endorsement by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 2026-11-02
category: travel
tags: travel, health, vaccines
checked_on: 2026-11-02
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Plan for Travel Vaccines"
    publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    url: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Travel vaccines: what to do before an international trip

# Travel vaccines: what to do before an international trip

## Summary
Get up to date on routine vaccines, check the CDC destination page, and see a healthcare provider or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before leaving. Yellow fever shots come only from authorized centers.

> **Not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.**

*Draft. License: public domain (US government work). Sources: [S1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Plan for Travel Vaccines".*

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Before any international trip, make sure routine vaccines are up to date.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F2
  claim: CDC destination pages list vaccines, medicines and health risks for each country.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F3
  claim: Book a visit with a provider or travel health specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure, since some vaccines need several doses.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F4
  claim: Malaria prevention pills are started before travel and taken as directed before, during and after the trip.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F5
  claim: If yellow fever vaccine is needed, it must be given at an authorized yellow fever vaccine center.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F6
  claim: Carry a copy of your official immunization records.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02

## Pointers
- id: P1
  answers: Destination-specific advice
  where: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
  access: free, public web page