Your recommended RTW immunizations will depend on the countries you plan to visit. It is best to consult a local travel clinic well in advance so that you can make proper preparations. I had to make sure I went at least 6 months prior in order to get all three rounds of my hepatitis immunizations. Here’s a list of all the ones I got:
| Vaccine | Cost | No. | Notes |
| Typhoid | $54 | 4 pills | Pills good 5 years. |
| Yellow Fever | $98 | 1 shot | Good 10 years. |
| Polio Booster | $43 | 1 shot | Locks in for life. |
| Meningitis | $119 | 1 shot | Locks in for life. |
| Hep A+B | $62 | 3 shots | Locks in for life. |
| Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis | $58 | 1 shot | Good for 10 years. |
| Total | $557 |
*I decided against the Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies vaccines, but after my little instance of when animals attack in Kygryzstan, I was sort of wishing I was better prepared.
Malaria Immunization
There is no immunization for malaria, so I will be taking anti-malarial pills in buggy places. I took anti-malarials in Guatemala, but did not bring them to Central Asia. Some anti-malarial pills can have horrible side effects such as vivid nightmares and sun sensitivity, so do consult a knowledgable travel doctor in order to make an educated decision.
Also, don’t forget to take bug spray with deet in it, as well as light clothing that covers your extremities in malaria zones. It may even be worthwhile taking a quality mosquito net so you can sleep in peace at night.
In the midst of planning my first extended independent travel experience. Are you recommending the above as a baseline of immunizations – to be followed by trip specific immunizations? Or were the above specific to your trip?
I found my way here through a circuitous path that originated on aswetravel and progressed to I ended up at this page.
Hi John
I would recommend taking your itinerary to a travel doctor. I went to my local health department that had a special immunization group for those traveling overseas, and they were VERY helpful.
Thanks Brooke for taking the time to answer – and so quickly. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a travel doctor. Will check it out.