Traveling opens the door to amazing experiences — discovering new cultures, tasting exotic cuisines, visiting breathtaking landscapes, and meeting fascinating people. But along with the excitement of exploring the world comes the responsibility of protecting your health. International and even some domestic travel can expose you to illnesses that are uncommon or non-existent in your home region.
One of the most effective ways to safeguard your health and ensure a smooth, worry-free trip is by receiving the appropriate travel vaccinations. At UNI Urgent Care, we specialize in providing comprehensive travel immunization services tailored to your unique travel plans. Whether your destination is tropical, remote, urban, or domestic, our expert team is ready to help you prepare and protect yourself.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about travel vaccines: why they matter, which vaccines are essential for different destinations, why UNI Urgent Care is the best choice for your immunizations, how to prepare for your vaccination appointment, and answers to common questions. By the end, you will be empowered to make the best decisions for your health and travel safety.
Traveling exposes you to new environments and health risks that your body may not be prepared for. Diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever are common concerns for travelers, especially when visiting regions with different sanitation standards or climates. These illnesses can be contracted through contaminated food or water, insect bites, or close contact with local people. For example, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are often spread through unsafe food and water, while Yellow Fever is transmitted by mosquitoes in certain tropical areas. Such diseases can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort, like fever and fatigue, to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions that require urgent medical attention. Protecting yourself with the right vaccinations before your trip is essential to reduce the risk of illness, ensure a smooth travel experience, and safeguard your health abroad. Proper immunization not only protects you but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to others, making travel safer for everyone.
Many travel-related diseases are preventable with vaccines. For instance, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly spread through contaminated food and water in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Yellow Fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is a serious disease with a high fatality rate if not prevented. Vaccines greatly reduce your chances of falling ill and help you stay healthy throughout your journey.
When you get vaccinated before traveling, you protect not only yourself but also those around you. Many infections can be spread to others during and after travel. Immunizing yourself helps minimize the risk of introducing or reintroducing diseases to your home country or other communities.
Traveling while sick or contracting a disease abroad can ruin your plans, cause hospitalizations, and lead to costly medical bills. Vaccinations allow you to enjoy your trip fully, engaging in activities without fear of preventable illness interruptions.
Several countries require proof of certain vaccinations before entry. For example, many African and South American nations require Yellow Fever vaccination certificates for travelers arriving from regions with Yellow Fever risk. Having the proper immunizations ensures a smooth entry process and avoids quarantine or denied entry.
At UNI Urgent Care, we offer a comprehensive range of vaccines tailored to protect travelers from diseases they might encounter worldwide. Your personalized vaccination plan depends on several factors including your destination, planned activities, current health status, and previous immunizations. Our experienced healthcare providers will review your travel itinerary and medical history to recommend the most appropriate vaccines to keep you safe during your journey.
Some of the most common vaccines we provide include Hepatitis A and B, which protect against serious liver infections often contracted through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids. The Typhoid vaccine is essential for travelers visiting areas with poor sanitation, while the Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry into certain countries in Africa and South America and protects against a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus.
We also offer routine boosters like Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) to ensure ongoing protection against common bacterial infections. For those planning outdoor adventures in rural or remote areas, the Rabies vaccine is highly recommended. Additionally, vaccines like Meningococcal, Influenza, and COVID-19 are crucial for protecting against respiratory and bacterial infections.
At UNI Urgent Care, we prioritize your health and convenience, making it easy to get the travel vaccines you need for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Why: Hepatitis A virus spreads through contaminated food and water. It causes liver infection that can range from mild illness to severe liver damage.
Where: Essential for travelers to Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and other areas with poor sanitation.
Details: The vaccine is typically given in two doses six months apart, providing long-lasting protection.
Why: Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids. Travelers who may undergo medical procedures abroad, have sexual contact with local populations, or get tattoos or piercings are at risk.
Where: Worldwide but particularly important for developing countries.
Details: Usually given as a series of three doses over six months. Quick schedules may be available for urgent travel.
Why: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted via contaminated food and water. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and rash.
Where: Common in South Asia, parts of Africa, and Central and South America.
Details: Available as an injection or oral capsules. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before travel.
Why: Yellow Fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. It can cause severe hemorrhagic fever and death.
Where: Required for travel to certain countries in Africa and South America.
Details: A single dose provides lifelong immunity. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to some countries.
Why: Protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria (severe throat infection), and pertussis (whooping cough).
Where: Recommended for all travelers as a routine booster.
Details: Booster every 10 years, but travel provides a good reason to ensure you are up to date.
Why: Rabies is a fatal virus transmitted via bites or scratches from infected animals.
Where: Recommended for travelers spending extended time outdoors in rural or remote areas, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Details: Usually given as a series of three doses before travel.
Why: Protects against meningitis, a serious bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord.
Where: Required for travelers to the “meningitis belt” of Africa or for pilgrims attending the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Details: Given as a single dose; booster may be recommended depending on vaccine type.
Why: Flu season varies globally; vaccination helps prevent influenza infection.
Where: Recommended annually for all travelers, especially those going to areas experiencing flu outbreaks.
Details: Protects against the most common circulating flu strains each season.
Why: Many countries require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry.
Where: Worldwide.
Details: Keep up to date with boosters according to CDC and WHO guidelines.
Choosing where to get your travel vaccinations is as important as getting the vaccines themselves. Here’s why UNI Urgent Care is the smart choice for your immunizations:
No appointment necessary: Walk in when it fits your schedule.
Multiple locations: Easy to find a center near you.
Quick visits: Designed for efficient service without long waits.
Our healthcare professionals conduct thorough assessments of your travel itinerary, health history, and vaccination records.
We provide personalized recommendations based on the latest CDC and WHO travel health guidelines.
You receive education about vaccine benefits, side effects, and disease prevention.
Most insurance plans accepted.
Transparent pricing for self-pay patients.
We help you understand your coverage and options.
Beyond vaccines, we offer travel health consultations.
Get prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis or other preventive medications.
Receive advice on insect bite prevention, food and water safety, and other travel health tips.
To make your visit smooth and effective, come prepared:
Bring your travel itinerary: Including destinations, dates, and planned activities.
Previous vaccination records: Helps determine which vaccines you need.
Allergy and medical history: Inform staff about allergies, chronic conditions, current medications, pregnancy status, or immunocompromised states.
Plan ahead: Some vaccines require multiple doses weeks apart. Schedule accordingly.
Ask questions: Our providers are here to address any concerns you may have.
A: Ideally 4-6 weeks prior to departure. This allows your body time to build immunity, especially for vaccines that need multiple doses spaced weeks apart. Some vaccines like Yellow Fever require even more lead time.
A: Yes. Travel vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fever.
A: Many vaccines can be given simultaneously, but some require spacing. Our healthcare team will tailor the schedule to your travel timeline and vaccine requirements.
A: Some domestic travel may require vaccines such as influenza or COVID-19, especially during outbreaks or in regions with endemic diseases.
A: Many insurance plans cover recommended travel vaccines. It depends on your policy. We offer affordable self-pay pricing for uninsured or out-of-network patients.
Wash hands regularly or use hand sanitizer.
Avoid drinking untreated water or eating raw foods in high-risk areas.
Use insect repellent and mosquito nets to prevent bites.
Drink plenty of safe fluids.
Rest adequately to keep your immune system strong.
Include basic first aid supplies.
Any prescribed medications for malaria or other conditions.
The Smith family planned a two-week trip to Brazil and Peru. Visiting urban and jungle areas, they needed vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Tdap booster. UNI Urgent Care provided a tailored vaccination plan with clear explanations. The family stayed healthy and enjoyed their vacation without medical issues.
John, a frequent flyer on business trips to Nigeria and South Africa, relied on UNI Urgent Care for routine updates including Meningococcal, Hepatitis B, and Influenza vaccines. The convenience of walk-in visits and expert advice kept him safe and compliant with company travel policies.
Friendly staff will greet you and collect your travel details.
A nurse or medical provider reviews your health history.
They explain each vaccine, potential side effects, and benefits.
Vaccinations are administered quickly and safely.
You receive a vaccination record and travel vaccine certificate if needed.
Staff provide post-vaccine care instructions and answer questions.
Your health is your most valuable travel asset. Proper immunization shields you from preventable diseases, keeps your trip enjoyable, and ensures compliance with international travel requirements. UNI Urgent Care offers expert, convenient, and affordable travel vaccination services that prepare you thoroughly for your adventures.
Don’t leave your health to chance — protect yourself and your loved ones before you go. Walk in to UNI Urgent Care today, or check online to find a location near you. With us, you travel with confidence, knowing you’re protected.
Ready to get your travel vaccines?
Visit your nearest UNI Urgent Care location today!
Learn more and find a location near you at: https://uniurgentcare.com
Call now for more information or check wait times: (410) 751-7480
Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed!
Travel smart. Travel safe. Travel vaccinated with UNI Urgent Care.
