Planning travel is nothing short of exciting. Searching for places to visit and restaurants to try always builds the anticipation for the trip. However, it’s easy to forget more practical concerns of traveling when you’re caught up in the exciting aspects.
If you’re traveling to a new country you might need to get vaccines, which can put a serious dent in your budget. Travelers on a tight budget might need to rethink their plans because of them. They’re both expensive and not usually covered by insurance.
It’s easy to say that you’re going to backpack for a few months. But, when it comes down to it, you need to put in some research to avoid potentially catastrophic situations.
Due to a shortage, the Yellow Fever vaccine, which is required for some South American and African Countries, will probably cost you around $300. The typhoid fever vaccine, which is even more common, can be in the $150-200 range.
Some vaccines, like Japanese Encephalitis, require shots in stages, with the doses weeks apart. If a vaccine is simply recommended, but not required for entry, you could take the risk of not getting it, but it’s better to spend $500 than to risk potentially debilitating illness in a foreign country, in my opinion. As many travel vaccines are effective over the long term, it’s a good investment in your health.
Check the CDC website for recommended and required vaccines for your next destination. Passport Health is one of the only providers of the Yellow Fever vaccine and wait times for appointments can be pretty long. Remember to give yourself enough time to both schedule appointments and to allow the vaccines to be effective.
