disease prevention

7 Travel Vaccines You Didn’t Know You Needed in 2025

/ Dr Mohammad Rizwan Feroz / Leave a comment

Protect your journey with these 7 essential but often-overlooked travel vaccines in 2025.

Planning international travel in 2025? Beyond routine vaccines, discover 7 lesser-known immunizations critical for your health. From Japanese Encephalitis in Bali to Tick-borne Encephalitis in European forests—learn why these overlooked shots could save your trip. Consult a travel medicine specialist today!

As travel surges post-pandemic, adventurers often overlook region-specific health risks. While typhoid and hepatitis vaccines are well-known, evolving disease patterns and 2025 health advisories reveal surprising new essentials.

Here are seven under-the-radar vaccines to discuss with your travel clinic:

1. Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

  • Why: Mosquito-borne in rural Asia (e.g., Bali, Thai rice paddies). Cases spiked 20% in 2024.
  • For Whom: Travelers spending >1 month in rural SE Asia or short-term with high exposure (e.g., camping, farming).
  • 2025 Alert: Outbreaks reported near tourist hubs in Vietnam and Philippines.

2. Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE)

  • Why: Forested Europe (Germany, Austria) and Asia. 10K cases/year—up 35% since 2022.
  • For Whom: Hikers, campers, or summer travelers to endemic zones.
  • 2025 Alert: Vaccination now advised for Switzerland’s Alpine regions.

3. Cholera (Oral Vaccine VaxchoraÂź)

  • Why: Food/water-borne in humanitarian crises (e.g., Yemen, Sudan).
  • For Whom: Aid workers or travelers to outbreak zones lacking sanitation.
  • 2025 Perk: Single-dose oral vaccine protects for 3 months.

4. Meningococcal ACWY

  • Why: Required for Saudi Arabia’s Hajj/Umrah. Rising in sub-Saharan “meningitis belt.”
  • For Whom: Pilgrims, festival attendees (e.g., Ghana’s gathering season).
  • 2025 Rule: Saudi Arabia mandates proof for visa approval.

5. Rabies (Pre-Exposure)

  • Why: Fatal if untreated. Rampant in Bali, Thailand, Peru.
  • For Whom: Remote travelers, animal handlers, or families with kids (higher bite risk).
  • 2025 Tip: Saves you from scarce post-bite serums in rural clinics.

6. Polio Booster

  • Why: Endemic in Afghanistan/Pakistan; outbreaks in Malawi/Mozambique.
  • For Whom: Travelers from polio-exporting countries may need proof.
  • 2025 Advisory: WHO lists 12 “at-risk” nations needing boosters.

7. COVID-19 XBB.1.5 Variant Booster

  • Why: New variants dominate globally. Japan/Canada require updated boosters for entry.
  • For Whom: All travelers—check country-specific rules pre-departure.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Yellow Fever: Now required for parts of Brazil (Amazonas) due to 2024 outbreaks.
  • Influenza: Southern hemisphere’s flu season (June–Sept) hits travelers in Australia/Argentina.

Practical Advice for 2025 Travelers:

  1. Timing: Schedule vaccines 4–6 weeks pre-trip (some need multiple doses).
  2. Documentation: Use DoctorTravelLog’s [Country-Specific Tool] to check entry requirements.
  3. Where to Go: Visit CDC’s Travel Health site or a certified travel clinic.

Final Thought:

Vaccines aren’t just paperwork—they’re armor against invisible threats. As climate change and urbanization reshape disease landscapes, 2025’s smart traveler prioritizes prevention. Consult a travel medicine specialist, pack your records, and explore confidently! 🌍💉

Dr. Mohammad Rizwan Feroz / DoctorTravelLog