One of the most stressfull things to prepare for as jordan and I headed on our trip around the world was medical needs including insurance and vacine! Today we are going to discuss the vaccines that we got before head out to over 30 countries and 6 continents. These are the main vaccines you will need if traveling to a common destination but there are many countries that we didnt visit so always consult with you doctor about the shots they recomend you getting before heading out on your big adventure.
Why are Travel Vaccines Important??
First things first, let’s talk about why travel vaccines are important. When you’re traveling to new parts of the world, you can be exposed to diseases that your body has never encountered before. And while many of these diseases may be mild for locals who have built up immunity over time, they can be dangerous or even deadly for travelers who haven’t. Getting vaccinated is a way to protect yourself and ensure a healthy and happy trip. Also remember even if you have recieved a vaccine in the past you may need to get a booster. Many vaccines only last a certain number of years and some are more effect if you get a booster. We recieved a booster for polio although we had both recieved this shot as children!
What Travel Vaccines do I Need??
So, what vaccines do you need? Well, that depends on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. The CDC has a handy tool on their website where you can enter your travel information and get a list of recommended vaccines. We always recommend both doing your own research using the CDC website as well as speaking to your doctor but below is a color coded map the gives you general information about what shots you my need in different areas of the world!! It’s important to note that some vaccines may require multiple doses, so it’s best to start planning and getting vaccinated well in advance of your trip. Jordan and I started looking into travel vaccines 4 months outs and we were already too late to get one of the shots that requires 6 months due to how many dosages you need! dont be like us! Plan far enough ahead!
More about the Vaccines
How Much are Travel Vaccines??
No one wants to think of those pesky pre trip expenses but they are often some of the most important purchases of your trip. Although I wish they weren’t vaccines are on of those purchases and I’d be lying to you if I said they were cheap. We spent close to 2,000 dollars per person for our shot alone!! Now keep in mind we were recieving 8 vaccines each some of which had multiple rounds. But I think we would both agree the we spent a pretty penny! I went to UAB travelers clinic were I met with a doctor who went over all the shots I needed and other medical information I needed to know. They then fit all my shots into 2 appointments and took care of all the work. We went a different route for Jordan to see if it was cheaper. He got all his shots through drug stores. It was a lot more work. We had to do all the research ourself, we had to call many stores until we found one that was willing to special order the vaccines and he had to go to probaby 6 appointments to get all those shots. You’d think it would be a lot cheaper rigth? Not exactly. There were some that were cheaper for me and others that were cheaper for him. In the end our bills turned out to be almost the same!! I would say that if you are sonsidering doing something like this go to your hostpitals traveler clinic! It is worth all the time saved and all the information they are able to give you! Check out exactly how much each of our shots were bellow in out Trip Around the world budget. Go to “Pre Trip Expenses” across the bottom!
I don't know what shots I already have??
If you are not sure what shots you got as a child or lost your record fear not! Most states require doctors to enter your shots into a state wide data base. You can go to a drug store or doctors office and ask them to print you out a copy. Keep in mind that if you have had a different legal name in the past you will need to ask them to give you a copy of both you new and old name! They will even sign and stamp the document for you to make it offical in case you need to turn it in anywhere! Even if you think you know what shots you have recieved I would recommend getting this It is important to have a copy of your vaccine documents on hand while traveling!
