Travel Medicine
Whether you are about to travel abroad and need vaccinations, or have acquired an illness while traveling, Mount Sinai’s infectious disease specialists can help. Many countries require certain vaccinations, while others are recommended. We have the expertise to help keep you safe and healthy, wherever you’re going.
For pre-travel consultations, in addition to the appropriate immunizations, we can offer dietary and safety suggestions, make recommendations based on your overall health, and take into consideration your current medications. Depending on your itinerary, you may be prescribed travel medicines such as anti-malaria medication. Make sure you have your immunization records and travel itinerary when you come to see us. It’s important to get vaccinated four to six weeks before you travel. Pre-travel preparations can help you stay healthy while abroad and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Consultation for Individuals, Groups, and Organizations
We provide consultations for individuals, businesses, and groups. Customized services for business travelers, non-government organizations (NGOs), and others are available. Please call us to discuss your travel health concerns and needs. Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or business, we will do our best to make sure you have a healthy and safe trip.
In addition to these specialized vaccinations, travelers should be up to date on their routine vaccinations, including influenza, COVID-19, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella, and pneumococcal disease.
Yellow Fever
The yellow fever virus is spread by infected mosquito bites and is found in parts of Africa and South America. Symptoms usually occur within three to six days after being exposed to the virus.
The yellow fever vaccine is a single-injection, live-attenuated (weakened) form of the virus that offers lifelong protection. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own antibodies against the virus.
- Dose: One shot administered at least 10 days prior to travel or entry into an area where yellow fever is present.
- This vaccine is required for entry into certain countries (view list here).
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection spread by Salmonella bacteria. These infections occur in developing regions in South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travelers visiting areas where typhoid fever is common, including Asia, Africa, and Central and South American countries.
Typhoid vaccine options include:
Live-attenuated oral typhoid vaccine: Four-capsule oral series. Take one capsule every other day on days one, three, five, and seven. The last dose must be completed one week before travel. People who are immunocompromised or taking antibiotics should not take the oral capsules due to their live attenuated status.
Inactivated injectable typhoid vaccine: Single-dose injection given at least two weeks before travel or potential exposure.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquito bites and is common in Asia and the Western Pacific.
The vaccine includes a two-dose series spaced 28 days apart before travel. The risk for most travelers is low but the infection can cause serious brain and nervous system illness if you are exposed.
The two-dose series should be completed at least seven days prior to potential exposure or travel.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread through mosquito bites found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America where there is an active outbreak or risk of transmission.
The chikungunya vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that does not contain live virus, making it safe for most individuals.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection spread in the saliva of infected animals by a bite or scratch, or transmitted through broken skin or mucous membranes.
The two human rabies vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States are administered before and after exposure.
Human Rabies Immune Globulin is a medication administered after exposure for unvaccinated people bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A is a liver infection found in travelers exposed to contaminated food and water who frequent Asia, Africa, Central and South American countries, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through infected blood or bodily fluids. Overall, travelers face a low risk of infection, however, engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, drug use, and contact sports, can increase exposure.
Hepatitis A Vaccine:
The hepatitis A vaccine is administered in two doses, six months apart. Two shots are required for full, long-term protection. For those traveling internationally to areas with high hepatitis A rates, the first dose should be administered at least two to four weeks before the scheduled trip.
Dose 1: Given at initial appointment
Dose 2: Given 6 to 18 months after the first dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
The hepatitis B vaccine is given as a shot in the muscle. For most travelers, the shot is given in the upper arm. For babies, it is usually given in the thigh.
Most people need a series of doses for full protection. The exact schedule depends on your age, the vaccine type, and how soon you are traveling. A travel medicine clinician can help choose the right schedule, including faster options when a trip is coming up soon.
Hepatitis Combination Vaccine:
This vaccine protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It is approved for adults (18 years and older) and requires a three-dose series given at the initial appointment, at one month, and at six months.
Cholera
Cholera is spread through food and water contaminated with cholera bacteria, primarily found in parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Although it is not usually spread from person to person, it can be transmitted through the fecal matter of an infected person, emphasizing the need to follow strict food, water, and hand hygiene precautions to decrease exposure.
The risk of travelers contracting cholera is low, however, vaccination is highly encouraged if visiting areas with widespread, localized, or active transmission.
The vaccine is a single-dose, oral, live-vaccine administered at least 10 days before traveling. The vaccine is approved for people aged 2 through 64.
Meningococcal Disease
Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of the disease for travelers. It spreads through respiratory droplets and requires close, direct contact. Travelers heading to high- risk areas such the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, are most likely to be exposed due to large-scale outbreaks during the dry season.
The vaccine is a single dose, inactivated vaccine administered 7 to 10 days before travel departure to build protective antibodies.
Polio
Polio is a virus that affects the nervous system and spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. Due to the virus also spreading by encountering stool, strict hand hygiene practices are highly recommended.
Travelers who have never been vaccinated, or who have not completed the series, are highly encouraged to do so before leaving the country.
The vaccine is a single-antigen, three-dose series, inactivated polio vaccine. It is approved for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated adults.
Schedule:
- First dose at any time.
- Second dose one to two months later.
- Third dose 6 to 12 months after the second dose.
If the traveler has already had one or two doses, they will receive the remaining one or two doses. The amount of time lapsed between doses will not affect the treatment.