Travel Vaccinations Guide 2026: Which Vaccines Do You Need?

Travel vaccinations are the topic most people ignore until four weeks before departure. Then the doctor visit. Then the questions: “How many doses does hepatitis A take again?” Some vaccines need weeks or months before protection kicks in. Start too late and you travel unprotected.

This guide shows you what is required, what is recommended and when to book what.

Which standard vaccinations should you update before any trip?

Before booking exotic travel vaccinations: check your vaccination record for the basics. Most adults had childhood immunizations but forget the boosters.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Booster recommended every 10 years. The most common gap in adult vaccination records.

Hepatitis A: One of the most important travel vaccines, especially for countries with lower hygiene standards. Two doses 6-12 months apart provide lifelong protection. First dose at least 2 weeks before travel, preferably 4 weeks.

Typhoid: For countries with unsafe drinking water. Oral capsules (4 doses over 8 days) or injectable vaccine (single dose, 3-year protection).

Measles (MMR): Anyone born after 1970 without complete MMR coverage should get a booster. Measles outbreaks occur worldwide.

Hepatitis B: For longer trips, healthcare workers and anyone not ruling out sexual contact abroad. 3 doses over 6 months, or an accelerated schedule over 3 weeks is possible.

Which vaccines do I need for tropical destinations?

This depends on your destination. The best sources for current status: CDC Travel Health and the WHO travel advice pages.

Malaria: Not a vaccine but prophylaxis (tablets). The region determines the medication: East Africa and parts of Asia usually require Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil). Cheaper but with more side effects is doxycycline. Start prophylaxis 1-2 days before entering the region, take daily, continue after return. Cost: €100-200 for 2-3 weeks.

Yellow fever: A mandatory vaccine for entry into some countries (parts of Africa and South America). The vaccination provides lifelong protection and is documented in an International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”). Only available at authorized yellow fever vaccination centers. Vaccinate at least 10 days before entry.

Japanese encephalitis: For long-term travelers to Asia (rice paddy regions), especially during rainy season. 2-3 doses over 4 weeks.

Rabies: For adventure travelers, trekking in remote areas, contact with animals. 3 pre-exposure doses reduce the urgency of post-exposure treatment but do not replace it.

Meningococcal meningitis: For the Sahel region of Africa (“meningitis belt”), Saudi Arabia (mandatory for Hajj pilgrims), and recommended for students in shared accommodation.

How do I plan vaccinations on time?

4-8 weeks before departure: The ideal time for a travel medicine consultation. Vaccine protection needs time to build. Hepatitis A: 4 weeks. Japanese encephalitis: 4 weeks. Rabies: 3-4 weeks.

Vaccines that require multiple doses: Hepatitis B (3 doses over 6 months), rabies primary immunization (3 doses over 4 weeks), Japanese encephalitis (2-3 doses over 4 weeks). Starting too late means incomplete protection.

Shortly before travel: Buy malaria prophylaxis (prescription required), verify international vaccination documentation.

What belongs in your travel medical kit?

Beyond vaccinations: a small travel medical kit for the most common issues.

Basics: ibuprofen/paracetamol (fever, pain), anti-diarrhea tablets (loperamide), oral rehydration salts, antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea (prescription only, e.g. azithromycin), plasters and antiseptic, sunscreen (at least SPF 30), insect repellent with DEET.

For tropical destinations additionally: water purification tablets, altitude medication (after medical consultation), blister plasters for hiking.

Plan your vaccination schedule alongside your trip planning. Zercy helps you organize the journey, and the Zercy Logbook stores all your important details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccinations are required for Southeast Asia?

None are technically “required” for entry to most Southeast Asian countries. Recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid (depending on travel style), Japanese encephalitis (long stays in rural areas), rabies (adventure travel). Malaria prophylaxis depending on country and region.

How much does a travel medicine consultation cost?

In many countries, standard vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A) are covered by public health insurance. Travel-specific vaccines (yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis): often out-of-pocket, €50-100 per vaccine. Total cost for full travel immunization: €100-400.

How long before travel should I book the vaccination appointment?

At least 8 weeks before departure, ideally 3 months. Some vaccines are seasonally in short supply (yellow fever). General practitioners often lack tropical medicine expertise, dedicated travel health clinics are better.

Which countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination?

Many African and South American countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination on entry, especially if coming from a yellow fever endemic country. Check current requirements for your specific destination as they change. Official sources: CDC Travel or your country’s foreign affairs travel advice.

Travel Vaccinations Guide: What to Update Before Your Trip and What to Watch For