1. Travel Health and Vaccines Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

Dr. Eddie Hooker is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Louisville and at Wright State University. His areas of expertise include emergency medicine, epidemiology, health-services management, and public health.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is the vaccination schedule for adolescents?
• What is the vaccination schedule for adults?
• If I am pregnant, what vaccines can and should I get?
• I am a healthcare worker, do I need any different vaccines?
• What is the Td/Tdap vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the HPV vaccine, and who should get it?
• What is the meningococcal vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the MMR vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the varicella vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the pneumococcal vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the influenza vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the hepatitis A vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the hepatitis B vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the polio vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the zoster vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the typhoid vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the yellow fever vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the rabies vaccine and who should receive it?
• What is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and who should receive it?
• Where can I find additional information on immunizations?
• Immunizations Index

What is the typhoid vaccine, and who should receive it?

Typhoid fever is an acute febrile illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is spread by contaminated food and water. Although quite common at one time in the U.S., it is very rare today. Most cases are in people who have traveled outside the U.S. Worldwide, the disease affects 13 million people. People who are traveling to areas with high rates of typhoid fever should receive the vaccine prior to leaving the U.S. Travelers should consult the CDC web site for specific recommendations depending on the countries they plan to visit (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/).

What is the yellow fever vaccine, and who should receive it?

Yellow fever is an acute illness caused by a virus. The disease is extremely rare in the U.S., and it is usually found in people who have traveled outside the country. The disease is mild in many people, but it can cause liver failure and death. Approximately 20% of those who get the disease will die. Travelers to going to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America are required by international health regulations to have a yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should consult the CDC web site for specific recommendations depending on the countries they plan to visit (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/).

What is the rabies vaccine, and who should receive it?

Rabies is an acute viral infection that is considered universally fatal even with excellent treatment (there has been one reported survival with extremely aggressive treatment). Rabies is extremely rare in the U.S. because all states require dogs and cats to be vaccinated. Most cases in the U.S. are from bites from wild animals (raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks). However, rabies is common in dogs and cats as well as wild animals in other parts of the world. Travelers who are visiting areas where rabies is prevalent should receive the vaccine. The vaccine can also be given after an animal bite, but it must be given quickly. Travelers should consult the CDC web site for specific recommendations depending on the countries they plan to visit (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/).