Before You Go

Every traveler, regardless of destination, should get vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis A. Hepatitis A virus is found in food and water, even in the US. Get revaccinated for tetanus every five years.

Also: Typhoid vaccination if going to Central or South America, Africa, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam or the Mideast. Yellow-fever immunization if visiting tropical South America or subequatorial Africa. Polio booster if you haven't been vaccinated since childhood and are going to Africa, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia or some parts of southern China. Influenza shot if visiting tropical areas in the southern hemisphere, where flu occurs year round. Tuberculosis testing (PPD) should be done three to six months after travel to Central or South America, Africa, the Mideast, Eastern Europe and Russia.