Suggested Travel Vaccines by Region
Disclaimer:This guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Vaccine recommendations can vary based on your individual health history, itinerary, planned activities, and length of travel. Please consult with a licensed medical professional or travel health clinic to determine the vaccines and precautions that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Latin America (Mexico, Central & South America)
Common destinations: Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil, Colombia
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A – spread through food and water
- Typhoid – especially if eating street food or visiting rural areas
- Yellow Fever – required for entry in some countries (e.g., Brazil, Peru jungle areas)
- Hepatitis B – for longer stays or medical procedures
- Rabies – if doing adventure travel or rural stays with animal exposure
Solo Travel Tip: Always check if a Yellow Fever vaccine certificate is required for border crossing (especially if visiting multiple countries).
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc.)
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis – for extended rural stays or visiting during monsoon
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies – for long stays or outdoor activities (monkeys are a risk!)
Solo Travel Tip: Many SE Asia countries have excellent travel clinics for vaccines if you extend your stay.
Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, etc.)
Suggested vaccines:
- Yellow Fever – required in many countries
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Rabies – especially in rural or wildlife-heavy areas
- Meningococcal Meningitis – recommended in meningitis belt (West Africa)
- Malaria prevention – not a vaccine, but oral meds are essential
Solo Travel Tip: Carry a Yellow Fever certificate and make multiple paper/digital copies. Some border officials will ask.
South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis – if rural or extended stay
- Rabies – stray dogs and monkeys can be a risk
- Cholera – for high-risk areas or aid workers
- Malaria prevention
Solo Travel Tip: Stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid raw produce if not peeled.
East Asia (Japan, South Korea, China)
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A – for China
- Japanese Encephalitis – for rural or long stays in summer months
- Rabies – for longer stays or remote areas
- None needed for Japan/South Korea if staying in urban areas and up to date on routine vaccines
Solo Travel Tip: Japan and South Korea are top-tier for hygiene and safety but still worth checking Hep A status before visiting China.
Middle East (UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, etc.
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid – depending on food/water conditions
- Rabies – for adventure travel or animal work
Solo Travel Tip: Hep A is especially important in Egypt or rural Turkey, even if staying at resorts.
Europe (France, Italy, UK, Germany, etc.)
Suggested vaccines:
- Routine vaccines only (Tdap, Flu, MMR, COVID, etc.)
- Hepatitis A – sometimes recommended for Eastern Europe or rural travel
Solo Travel Tip: Europe is very safe health-wise, but always check if your tetanus shot is up to date—especially if you’re hiking or biking.
Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea)
Suggested vaccines:
- Hepatitis A – for Fiji and rural areas in the Pacific Islands
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid – for Papua New Guinea
- None needed for Australia and New Zealand
Solo Travel Tip: If you’re island-hopping in the Pacific, confirm if typhoid or Hep A are recommended.
