Where To Get Travel Vaccines

This content was reviewed and approved by Shweta Desai, PharmD.

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the risk of exposure to new and unfamiliar diseases. Fortunately, vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from a wide range of illnesses.

This article will explore the importance of travel vaccinations, where to obtain them and what you need to know to stay healthy during your trip.

Why Are Vaccines Important for Travelers?

Vaccines work by introducing a harmless piece of a germ, like a virus or bacteria, into your body. This allows your immune system to recognize and build up defenses against the real thing, so you'll be ready to fight it off if you're ever exposed.

For travelers, vaccines are especially important because you may encounter diseases that aren't common in your home country. For example, yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne illness found in parts of Africa and South America, but it's not a concern in North America.

By getting vaccinated before you travel, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting a disease and bringing it home with you.

Where To Get Your Travel Vaccinations

You have several options for getting your travel vaccinations:

Your Primary Care Provider

This is often the best place to turn. Your provider is familiar with your medical history and can help you determine which vaccines are right for you based on your destination, planned activities and overall health.

Travel Clinics

These clinics specialize in travel medicine and can provide expert advice on the specific health risks associated with your destination.

Pharmacies

Many pharmacies offer travel vaccines, making them a convenient choice for busy travelers.

At Baptist Health Community Pharmacy, we provide a wide range of travel vaccinations, including yellow fever, typhoid (inactivated), rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and polio, among others. Our Breckenridge Community Pharmacy offers these services without charging a consultation fee. In many cases, we can also bill your insurance, helping you keep costs as low as possible. If your insurance doesn’t cover a particular vaccine, we offer competitive self-pay pricing so you can still receive the protection you need before your trip.

For your convenience, the Breckenridge Community Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more or schedule a visit, call +1 (502) 928-0030.

Local Health Departments

Your local health department may also provide travel vaccinations.

While all of the above are good options, your primary care provider can offer personalized advice and ensure you're up-to-date on all your routine vaccinations, as well as any travel-specific ones you may need. At Baptist Health, our primary care providers can discuss your travel plans and help you obtain the necessary vaccinations to stay healthy during your trip.

Common Travel Vaccines

The specific vaccines you'll need will depend on several factors, including your destination, the time of year you're traveling and your planned activities. Some of the most common travel vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Japanese encephalitis

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional at least a month before your trip to ensure you have sufficient time to receive all the necessary vaccinations. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so it's best to plan ahead.

By taking the time to get vaccinated before you travel, you can protect yourself and those around you from a variety of serious diseases. Before you pack your bags, schedule a visit with your primary care provider to discuss your travel plans and receive the necessary vaccinations.

Don’t have a Baptist Health primary care provider? You can find one in our provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Primary Care at Baptist Health
What Vaccines Do I Need?
How to Help Boost a Baby’s Immune System
Discussing the Importance of Vaccination in Richmond, Kentucky