What Are Travel Vaccines?
Travel vaccines protect you from serious illnesses and diseases that are common in other parts of the world. Before booking your travel, talk with your CF care team about what vaccines or medicines you will need, based on where you are going, what you will be doing, your overall health and your vaccination history.
Give Yourself Time to Get the Vaccines You Need
You may not be able to get some or all of the vaccines you need at your CF care center. As not all medical clinics stock all vaccines, you may have to go to a travel clinic to get the vaccines you need. Many travel immunizations need to be given in a series of shots over a period of days or weeks. Travel health experts recommend giving yourself 4 to 6 weeks to meet with a travel health provider about how to plan for your travel and to get any needed travel vaccinations before your trip begins.
Make Sure You're Up to Date on Routine Vaccines
When talking to your CF care team about travel vaccines, also ask about routine vaccines. Routine vaccines are the standard child and adult immunizations recommended for the general U.S. population. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and your yearly flu shot. Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. If you're traveling to a developing country, you may need a booster shot.
You May Need Other Vaccines, Too
Depending on where you are planning to travel, including areas where COVID-19 transmission is high, you may need other vaccinations. This is to protect you from different diseases that are common in countries you may be visiting. Visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for information about what vaccinations are needed in which countries.
If You've Had a Transplant
It can be dangerous for people with CF who have had a lung or liver transplant to receive certain vaccines. However, the risk of exposure to certain infectious diseases while traveling is also a concern. If you've had a transplant, talk to your transplant or CF care team about vaccination options.