Which Vaccines?
Today was my last day of vaccinations after three appointments! So I decided to write an article about this essential part of preparing for my world tour. Which vaccines should you get before embarking on a world tour?
After browsing various forums, prevention sites, and even the Traveler’s Vidal, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Since this is an important part of the budget and one of the most serious aspects of travel preparation, it’s crucial to make the right choices!
Mandatory Vaccines
For the itinerary I plan to follow, there are no mandatory vaccines for French citizens living in France. However, it is important to know that if you have traveled to South America in the three months prior to visiting Southeast Asia, the yellow fever vaccine becomes mandatory and is highly recommended regardless.
Recommended Vaccines
So, the yellow fever vaccine is already on my list. Additionally, I checked the national vaccination schedule to ensure my routine vaccinations (hepatitis B, DTP, measles) were up to date.
I added hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines for South America.
Note that the rabies “vaccine” isn’t a true vaccine. It mainly provides more time and ease to get proper treatment in case of a high-risk bite.
Hepatitis A and rabies vaccines are also recommended for Southeast Asia.
The Japanese Encephalitis Dilemma
I had to decide about the Japanese encephalitis vaccine since I’ll be in Asia during the rainy season, which increases the risk of disease and insect-borne infections.
Considering the low risk of contracting the disease and the cost of the vaccine, I decided not to get it.
Where to Get Vaccinated?
Yellow fever and typhoid vaccines can only be administered at an accredited international vaccination center. Therefore, it’s best to get all your vaccines at one place. Buying vaccines at a pharmacy and getting vaccinated by your doctor is not necessarily cheaper, and the centers can provide valuable advice for your world tour.
In the three centers listed below, you have the option (and it is highly recommended!) to have a “long-term travel advice” consultation. During this appointment, the doctor will give you crucial advice and can provide the necessary prescription for purchasing your travel medical kit.
Centre Pasteur
209-211 rue de Vaugirard
75015 Paris
Plus d’infos +
Centre Air France
148 rue de l’Université
75007 Paris
Plus d’infos +
Hôpital Saint Louis
Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales
Porte 3 – secteur vert
The Comparison Table
Here is a comparison table for the vaccines I received. These types of vaccines and consultations are not covered by Social Security. If you have private health insurance, check with them for coverage details.
I don’t need to tell you which center I chose!
