Recommended Vaccinations for Travel Within the US

No passport, no problem! Traveling domestically can be just as rewarding. From the space needle in Seattle to the tranquility of Florida beaches, United States travel destinations can keep even the most seasoned explorer in awe. Of course, any traveler wants to stay safe (and healthy) on vacation, which is why we often get asked about recommended vaccinations for travel within the US. 

We’ve got a simple answer to your burning question…

Are there recommended vaccinations for travel within the US?

We’ll keep this one short and sweet – No, there are no required or recommended vaccinations for travel within the United States.

Traveling abroad is a different story and we’ve got you covered on the types of travel vaccines you need before you take off.

Many US residents have already received the routine vaccines recommended by the CDC for everyone in the US based on age, health conditions, or other risk factors. These routine vaccines are noted in the CDC’s adult immunization schedule, though they are typically thought of as childhood vaccines. They include:

• Chickenpox (varicella) 
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Hepatitis A (HepA)
• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Hib vaccine
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) 
• Influenza 
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal 
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Polio (IPV)
• Rotavirus 

While most of these vaccines are given in childhood, some are routinely recommended for adults. For instance, the Tdap booster may be recommended, especially depending on your line of work. Similarly, a flu shot is recommended annually and a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years. 

If you did not receive these immunizations in childhood, you are not required to get them prior to traveling within the United States. They are simply recommended by the CDC and may be required at the state level, particularly prior to admission to daycare and school. 

 

Need help simplifying your children’s immunizations? We’ve got a blog for that. 

And if you’re interested in learning more about vaccines (routine, recommended, AND required), we’ve got that info! Call today to find out if we’ve got the vaccines you need!