Medipedia

A Doctor-Recommended Checklist for Every Traveller

Whether you’re jetting off for a beach getaway, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage, or planning a cross-continental adventure, protecting your health is just as important as packing your passport. Travel exposes us to unfamiliar climates, food, environments, and sometimes, unfamiliar diseases too.

Vaccines help your body build protection in advance. It’s important to understand which travel vaccines are essential and how to choose the right protection before your trip.

Why Vaccinate Before You Travel?

Travelling often brings you into contact with bacteria and viruses that your immune system may not be prepared for, especially in different countries or rural areas. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent common infections that can be easily transmitted through:

• Contaminated food or water
• Close contact in crowded spaces (airports, cruises, festivals)
• Animal bites or scratches
• Local outbreaks or seasonal illness patterns

Getting vaccinated before travel isn’t just about protecting yourself, it also helps you protect vulnerable people around you, like children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems.
 

Vaccines to Consider Before You Travel

Here are the key vaccines we offer, along with who needs them and why:
 

Influenza (Flu Vaccine)

Recommended for: Most travellers, especially during peak flu season.

Why it matters: Airports, planes, cruise ships and festivals are prime spots for the flu virus to spread. Even a mild flu can ruin your trip, or worse, lead to serious complications if you’re older, pregnant, or have chronic illnesses.

Travel Tip: Get your flu shot at least 2 weeks before departure for full protection.
 

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Recommended for: Travellers with underlying health conditions or aged 65+

Why it matters: This vaccine protects against serious infections like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening during travel, especially in elderly individuals or those with diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems.

Travel Tip: It’s not linked to a specific destination, but to your personal health risk.
 

Hepatitis A

Recommended for: Most international travel, especially to Asia, Africa, Latin America, or areas with poor sanitation.

Why it matters: Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water. One bad meal could lead to weeks of illness.

Travel Tip: Street food lovers, be extra cautious, and vaccinated.
 

Hepatitis B

Recommended for: Travellers planning long stays, medical work, tattoos, or potential sexual exposure.

Why it matters: Hepatitis B can be contracted through blood or bodily fluids, even in casual settings like barbershops or clinics abroad.

Travel Tip: This vaccine may require a booster or a full three-dose series depending on your vaccination history, so it’s best to start early and consult your doctor for the right schedule.
 

Typhoid

Recommended for: Travellers to developing countries, especially rural regions.

Why it matters: Like Hepatitis A, typhoid spreads through contaminated food or drinks. Risk is higher in areas with limited hygiene or access to clean water.

Travel Tip: Oral and injectable versions are available, ask your doctor which suits your itinerary best.
 

Rabies (Pre-exposure Series)

Recommended for:

• Travellers spending long periods in rural areas
• Animal lovers or volunteers
• Areas with limited access to medical care

Why it matters: Rabies is fatal if not treated in time. In many countries, post-bite treatment is not readily available.

Travel Tip: If you’ll be hiking, camping, or spending time around stray animals, this vaccine is a wise investment.
 

Meningococcal Meningitis

Recommended for:

• Pilgrims attending Hajj or Umrah (REQUIRED)
• Travellers to parts of sub-Saharan Africa (“meningitis belt”)

Why it matters: This severe bacterial infection can spread quickly in large crowds.

Travel Tip: Proof of meningococcal vaccination is mandatory for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia for Hajj/Umrah.
 

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for: Travellers spending extended time in rural East/Southeast Asia, especially during monsoon or rainy seasons.

Why it matters: This mosquito-borne illness is rare but potentially deadly, and often not treatable.

Travel Tip: Consider this if you’ll be in rice-farming areas, rural homestays, or planning outdoor adventures.
 

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

Most vaccines need time to become effective, typically 2 to 4 weeks before travel. Some require multiple doses spaced over several weeks. The earlier you start, the more protected you’ll be.
 

Travelling Soon? Here’s What You Should Do:

1. Consult a travel medicine doctor or GP at least 1–2 months before departure.
2. Share your destination(s), travel duration, accommodation type, and activities.
3. Check if any vaccines are mandatory for entry (e.g. Hajj, yellow fever zones).
4. Get vaccinated on time and carry proof of immunisation if needed.
5. Ask about travel health kits (medications, ORS, mosquito repellents, etc.)
    

Ready to travel?

Don’t let illness interrupt your adventure. Contact the Health Screening Centre at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity to book your travel vaccination consultation before you go.

Our wellness team will help you understand which vaccines are recommended for your travel destination and provide guidance for staying healthy throughout your trip, so you can travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Medical review by Dr. Kheng, Wellness Doctor at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity