The Norwegian Institute of Public Health offers information regarding the vaccination requirements of each country. Learn more here about vaccinations for safe travel.
For safe travel, it’s crucial to get appropriate vaccinations based on your destination and activities. Safe travel includes, of course, also visa information and currency restrictions, but this article is all about vaccinations.
Consulting a healthcare professional 6-12 weeks before travel is recommended to allow time for necessary vaccinations and to ensure complete immunity. Most of the time, vaccinations for those holding a Norwegian passport are not required since many epidemics have been all but eradicated in Norway. However, a few countries in Africa may still require yellow fever vaccinations and the like.
Some vaccines require multiple doses, and it takes time for them to become effective. Check with your doctor or use resources like the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website to identify required and recommended vaccines for your destination.
Some activities, like trekking or interacting with animals, may increase your risk of certain diseases and necessitate specific vaccinations. Do make your own choices with recommendations, though. I chose only to get vaccinations that are required for entry into a particular country.
Common Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A and B: Protect against liver infections, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- Typhoid: Recommended for travel to areas with contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Important for wound protection, especially in areas with limited access to medical care.
- Rabies: Recommended for travelers at risk of animal bites, especially in some areas of Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas of Asia during mosquito season.
- Yellow Fever: Required or recommended for travel to certain parts of Africa and South America.
- Meningococcal: Recommended for travel to certain parts of Africa and Hajj pilgrims.
- Polio: Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
- COVID-19: Check current recommendations and requirements for your destination.
If I had chosen to go with all the recommendations for the countries I was visiting, I would have walked out of the pharmacy with a $1,500 bill. A pharmacist friend, who also has experience traveling in Africa, stated that many of the recommended prescriptions and vaccinations are not necessary and that he fared just fine without them.
That said, ensure your routine vaccinations (like measles, mumps, rubella, etc.) are up to date. Consult your doctor about malaria prevention medication if traveling to a malarious area. If traveling to high altitudes, discuss preventative measures with your doctor.
I have taken the plunge without most of the required vaccinations and made it out alive. However, I conduct safe food and water practices to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.
But take no risks. Schedule a consultation with your doctor or a travel health clinic to discuss your specific needs and receive personalized recommendations. Be prepared to provide details about your travel itinerary, activities, and any pre-existing health conditions.
One last reminder: There’s one thing many people forget: the European Health Insurance Card – the most important thing you forgot to pack.
Make your own choices based on your level of comfort or the size of your wallet.
Vaccinations for Safe Travel, written by Tor Kjolberg.
Feature image (top) © Harvard Health.