International travel vaccines keep you safe on trips abroad. If you plan to visit Asia, Africa, or Latin America, you may need shots that are not part of your normal routine. At CityHealth, we help people in Oakland and San Leandro get the right vaccines before they fly. Also, we share tips from Dr. Jeffrey Klausner on how to stay healthy while you travel.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner on International Travel Vaccines and Safety
Our guest is Dr. Jeffrey Klausner. He is a professor of Medicine at USC. Before that, he taught at UCLA. Also, he is an expert in how diseases spread and how to stop them. Additionally, he advises the CDC and the World Health Organization on global health issues.
In this talk, we cover public safety and the role of international travel vaccines. Specifically, Dr. Klausner shares his views on workplace safety, how businesses can reopen safely, and what travelers should do to stay healthy abroad.
Topics in the Video
- What are the risks and rewards of travel abroad?
- What safety steps work best to control disease spread?
- As shops and venues reopen, what steps help most?
- With new COVID variants, can we reach herd immunity?
- What programs help more people get vaccines?
- Will remote work stay common in the long run?
- What about the boom in TV and film work?
Key Points on Travel Vaccines and Staying Safe Abroad
Dr. Klausner loves to travel. He says the joy and learning that come from seeing new places are well worth the effort. However, travel does come with health risks. Because of this, getting the right vaccines is a smart move before any trip.
For example, some countries still have high rates of disease. As a result, people who skip their shots face real danger in these areas. To lower your risk, Dr. Klausner says to avoid packed indoor spaces. Also, spend more time outside and make sure you are up to date on all your shots before you leave.
Furthermore, he notes that offices should track who is vaccinated. Employers should give staff time to get their shots. On top of that, buildings need fresh air flow. He says at least six air swaps per hour keeps indoor spaces safer.
Common International Travel Vaccines You May Need
Before you fly, talk to a doctor about which shots you need. The right vaccines depend on where you go, how long you stay, and what shots you already have. Here are the most common international travel vaccines.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A spreads through bad food and water. Because it is common in many countries, most doctors suggest this shot for trips to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Ideally, get the first dose at least two weeks before you leave.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. So, travelers who might need medical care abroad should get this shot. Also, the full series takes three doses over six months. Therefore, plan ahead if you can.
Typhoid
Typhoid spreads through bad food and water. It is most common in South Asia and parts of Africa. You can get a shot or take pills. Notably, the shot works in about two weeks after one dose.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a serious disease found in parts of Africa and South America. In fact, some countries will not let you in without proof of this shot. One dose lasts a lifetime for most people. Because only certain clinics give this vaccine, you should book early.
Other Shots to Think About
Depending on where you go, you might also need shots for meningitis, rabies, or cholera. Additionally, make sure your routine vaccines are current. These include MMR, tetanus, and the flu shot. Your doctor can build a custom plan based on your trip. Overall, the goal is to cover all the risks that your destination may pose so you can travel with peace of mind.
When to Get International Travel Vaccines Before Your Trip
Timing is key for international travel vaccines. Most shots need at least two weeks to work fully. However, some need several doses over a few months. Therefore, see a doctor four to six weeks before your trip.
Even so, a last-minute visit still helps. For instance, hepatitis A gives some protection even on short notice. Similarly, your doctor can prescribe pills for malaria or travel sickness that you start right away.
Here is a simple timeline to help you plan your shots ahead of time:
- 6 months out: Start hepatitis B shots and other multi-dose series.
- 4 to 6 weeks out: Get yellow fever, typhoid, and single-dose shots.
- 2 weeks out: Last safe window for most vaccines to kick in.
- Last minute: Still worth a visit for partial protection and health tips.
CityHealth Travel Vaccine Services
At CityHealth, we make it simple to get the international travel vaccines you need. Our clinics in Oakland (Montclair Village) and San Leandro are open seven days a week. Because we know trips can come up fast, no appointment is needed.
Our team will check your travel plans, review your shot records, and tell you what you need. Besides travel vaccines, we also offer routine vaccination services for the whole family. Also, if you feel sick after a trip, our urgent care team can see you the same day.
For more tips, visit the CDC Travelers’ Health page. It lists the shots you need for each country and any health alerts you should know about. In addition, the CDC site has tools to help you plan based on your exact travel dates and stops.
FAQ: International Travel Vaccines
What vaccines do I need for travel abroad?
It depends on where you go. Common international travel vaccines include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Your doctor will suggest the right shots based on your trip and your health.
How early should I get travel vaccines?
Ideally, see a doctor four to six weeks before you leave. Some shots need several doses over months. Even so, a last-minute visit can still help.
Does CityHealth offer walk-in travel vaccines?
Yes. CityHealth is open seven days a week in Oakland and San Leandro. No appointment is needed. Just walk in and our team will help you figure out what shots you need.
Will my insurance cover travel vaccines?
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover the shots, while others do not. We suggest you check with your insurer first. Regardless, CityHealth has fair self-pay prices for those without coverage.
Can I get other care at the same visit?
Absolutely. At CityHealth, we handle travel vaccines along with check-ups, lab work, or urgent care in one visit. This saves you time and gets you ready for your trip.
Follow the CityHealth blog for more health tips and travel news. Also, check out our expert talks on the CityHealth YouTube channel.
Ready to get your international travel vaccines?
CityHealth serves Oakland (Montclair Village) and San Leandro — walk in seven days a week, no appointment needed. Our team will check your travel plans and suggest the right shots. Book online or walk in today. Find a location near you → See all urgent care services.
