How do I know what shots I need if I'm traveling overseas?

By Erin Kennedy July 18, 2014 - 4:49pm

Rate This

This Article

Vote Improved My Health 0
Vote Changed My Life
Vote Saved My Life

I love to travel! Last summer I went to Nicaragua and had to get a few shots on my trip. But when I've traveled to Europe I never had to get shots. How do I know when I need to get shots before traveling? Why do some countries require shots and some don't?

Add a Comment1 Comments

Empowered

Maryann Gromisch RN Guide

Hello Erin,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a great tool to help travelers like yourself know which vaccines are required for overseas travel.

The traveler chooses destination and type of travel, such as cruise ship or disaster relief.
Here is the link: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Immunization booster shots are required because of outbreaks in certain areas of the world or sanitation conditions. For example, as of July 18, 2014, Caribbean countries have reported cases of chikungunya, including Aruba, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Happy traveling,
Maryann

July 24, 2014 - 5:14pm