Recommended Pre-Travel Vaccinations for USA

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/12/2026 Before Departure, FAQs, Safety

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The United States of America currently does not require visitors to have any mandatory vaccinations. The risk of contracting exotic diseases is minimal in the country; for instance, malaria is virtually non-existent in the USA. It is generally sufficient to ensure your routine vaccinations from home are up to date. Please consider the information in this article as general recommendations and always consult your specific health situation directly with your General Practitioner (GP) or a travel medicine specialist.

1. Table of Contents

   1. COVID-19 Vaccination
   2. Hepatitis A and B Vaccination
   3. Rabies Vaccination
   4. Lyme Disease Prevention
   5. Routine Vaccinations
   6. Where to Get Vaccinated
   7. Do Not Underestimate Travel Insurance

   COVID-19 Vaccination

   The requirement to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for air passengers was lifted back in May 2023. Entry into the USA is therefore unrestricted in this regard. You can find current conditions and any potential recommendations on the official CDC.gov website.

2. Hepatitis A and B Vaccination

   Vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended primarily for travelers who plan to move around in higher-risk environments where there is a genuine risk of transmission via bodily fluids.

   You can get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B either separately or with a combined vaccine administered in three doses. Combined vaccines such as Twinrix Adult (for adults) and Twinrix Paediatric (for children) are commonly used globally. Protection after the application of all doses is lifelong.

   Separate vaccination against Hepatitis A takes place in two doses with a minimum interval of 6 months. Substances such as Avaxim, Havrix 720 Junior, and Havrix 1440 Adult are widely used. Prices vary depending on whether you access private travel clinics or public health services in your home country.

   The vaccine purely against Hepatitis B is administered in three doses, and protection is also long-term to lifelong. You will most often encounter the Engerix vaccine.

3. Rabies Vaccination

   Vaccination against rabies is unnecessary for the vast majority of tourist trips to the USA. It should only be considered by travelers planning a long-term stay in the wilderness or those who will be regularly coming into contact with wildlife.

   If you fall into this category, consult a travel clinic well in advance, as the regimen requires multiple doses.

4. Lyme Disease Prevention

   Lyme disease is an unpleasant condition transmitted by ticks. In the USA, the occurrence of Lyme disease is reported especially in the states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York.

   Effective vaccination against Lyme disease is not currently available for the general public. You can best reduce the risk of infection by using high-quality repellents with a high content of DEET. I recommend purchasing these after your arrival in the United States, where they are commonly available in stronger concentrations than what might be sold over the counter in Europe or Australia.

5. Routine Vaccinations

   Before flying, check as part of your standard prevention whether your basic vaccinations from home are valid:

   💉 Tetanus

   Vaccination against tetanus is standard in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, usually completed in childhood. However, booster shots are often recommended every 10 years, especially for travelers. Check the date of your last vaccination with your GP.

   💉 Diphtheria

   Several doses are administered against diphtheria, with the last usually given in adolescence. It is a serious infectious disease. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a severe sore throat. A combined booster (often with Tetanus and Polio) is available.

   💉 Polio

   This disease has been eradicated in the USA. Officials may require proof of vaccination only in very rare cases, for example, if you are arriving in the USA from high-risk areas (such as Pakistan or Afghanistan). Ensure your primary course is complete.

   💉 Measles

   Vaccination against measles is typically covered by the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) given in childhood.

   If you are unsure whether you have sufficient protection against these diseases, consult your nearest travel clinic or your General Practitioner.

6. Where to Get Vaccinated

   You can find private travel vaccination clinics in most major cities across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Alternatively, consult your local GP.

   Be aware that while routine boosters (like Tetanus) might be covered by public health systems (such as the NHS or Medicare), travel-specific vaccinations (like Hepatitis A or B for travel purposes) often incur a fee. It is advisable to book your appointment at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to ensure any vaccine courses can be completed.

7. Do Not Underestimate Travel Insurance

   While extra vaccinations are not essential for trips to the USA, I strongly recommend arranging high-quality travel insurance for the USA. American healthcare is extremely expensive. For example, surgery for acute appendicitis can cost you up to $35,000, and the average cost for resolving health issues for an insured tourist in the USA hovers around $12,000.

   Medical debt is taken very seriously in the US, and unpaid bills can lead to legal complications or issues with future entry, even after you return home.