Updated August 20, 2025 I am sharing my travel vaccines for world travel. This list was up to date as of 2022, when I quit my job to travel around the world. To put my view of travel vaccinations in perspective I am not someone who runs out every time there is a new recommendation. It’s rare for me to even get a flu shot unless I’m walking by a clinic before a long trip. However, some key travel vaccines are necessary to ensure I travel safely without getting sick, which can ruin an epic adventure.
Protecting Myself During The Pandemic
In 2021, before jet-setting around the world, I received my flu shot and Covid booster, bringing my travel vaccines up to date. Traveling during a pandemic, as I was, it was crucial to minimize the risk of getting sick, especially before I left. During the pandemic, if you had a high fever or any symptoms, with COVID protocols in place, you weren’t getting on the plane.
COVID was the primary reason I protected myself back then, but it also opened my eyes to traveling safely, including travel vaccines.
I Continue to Keep My Travel Vaccines Up To Date
Below is a list of my new and up-to-date vaccinations for my journey around the world. I strongly recommend going to a travel clinic before traveling abroad. This list is a moving target, which I am currently in the process of updating in preparation for my trip to India during winter 2026.
I might need a Typhoid booster, and it was recommended that I get an oral dose the next time, as it’s more effective and longer lasting. Malaria is always a minor risk in countries like India, but it’s expensive, and I’m not sure it’s necessary. I always go with a local bug repellent, which I still believe is the best defence. But I’m also not a health professional, so please consult with one before you travel so you can make the best decision for you.
Make the Best Travel Vaccine Decision for You
When you visit a travel clinic, the list of recommendations is extensive. Often, we pay for travel vaccinations out of pocket since many of the diseases in underdeveloped countries aren’t a threat in Canada. Depending on your destination, a travel health care professional is likely to recommend getting a Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis shot. The rabies vaccine involves 2-3 doses and will set you back about $700 CAD. Japanese Encephalitis is two doses and costs about $540 CAD. It is extremely rare that you will catch one of these diseases but I am providing a brief description so that you are informed.
Rabies Risk Abroad
If you are a casual traveler sticking to cities and not going too far off the beaten path, the risk of rabies is extremely minimal but not zero. However, if you plan to venture deep into the wilderness and encounter a lot of wildlife, and you have a 2-3 day commute to a hospital, consider a rabies vaccination seriously.
Japanese Encephalitis Risk Abroad
Japanese Encephalitis is a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes. Most cases result in minor or even no symptoms at all, but occasionally, inflammation of the brain can occur. Symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, fever and seizures can occur when the brain is affected. Given how rare this infection is in most destinations I take a pass and stick with a strong local bug repellent to stay protected.
My Travel Vaccines
Flu shot
No explanation needed, as I covered this in the opening paragraph
COVID-19 Vaccines 3 doses
Yessssss! Travel pass. QR code downloaded to my iPhone and ready to go. For those that that are curious my vaccination schedule is 1 dose of AstraZeneca and 2 Moderna.
Yellow Fever
There is still a risk in places like Brazil and Southeast Asia. You receive a vaccination card similar to the one we have for COVID, as border control often requests proof of vaccination if you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent.
Dukoral
An oral vaccine that is taken 2 weeks before I travel and lasts for 3-6 months, and protects me from Cholera, which can be fatal. Starts out as two doses, then one booster dose every 3-6 months. Better safe than sorry.
Dukoral is a vaccine that I have drifted away from over time. Its effectiveness is debated by health professionals when it comes to severe diarrhea. Now, when I travel, I usually pack an antibiotic prescription, which is a better alternative to Dukoral to fight infections that cause diarrhea.
Twinrix
Protection from Hepatitis A and B. 3 doses for complete lifetime protection.
Typhoid
A bacterium that causes severe fever and intestinal irritation is found in foods and water in underdeveloped countries.
Polio Booster
An oldie but a goodie. This one doesn’t need further explanation at this point.
Mumps/Measles/Rubella Boosters
These are important to keep up to date especially if you are traveling to underdeveloped countries.
Tetanus
Just in case I step on a rusty nail.
Additional prescriptions/medications I take with me
Antibiotics, Advil, Imodium, and insect repellent (I buy when I arrive).
I recommend A Travel Clinic Consult Before Traveling
Hopefully this blog helps you prepare for your upcoming trip wherever that may be. But don’t take my word for it, I recommend visiting a travel clinic before departing. I use Travel Health Experts, who do virtual consults via Zoom. They are thorough, and Suzanne, the owner, is a traveler herself who is extremely knowledgeable. Stay safe while traveling the world, wherever that may be.
To find out more about how I plan my travel, read my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology.
Staying in hostels is one of my favourite solo travel tips. To learn more about why I stay in hostels, read my blog, Hostels for Solo Travel at 49.
If you’re curious about how I pack for long-term travel, check out my blog, My Carry-On Packing List For Solo Travel: How to Pack Light.
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