Travel Vaccines: Where to Get Them and What They Cost
Last updated September 10, 2026.
You can get travel vaccines at specialized travel clinics, many pharmacies, county health departments, and some primary care offices. Costs range from $50 to $350 per dose depending on the vaccine, and most insurance plans cover routine immunizations but not travel-specific shots like yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis. Start the process at least four to six weeks before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart.
Where to Get Travel Vaccines
Travel medicine clinics specialize in pre-travel consultations and carry the full range of vaccines, including less common ones like yellow fever and rabies. You can find accredited clinics through the International Society of Travel Medicine directory. These clinics also provide destination-specific advice on malaria prevention, food safety, and altitude sickness.
Many national pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) offer common travel vaccines like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus. Call ahead to confirm availability, as not all locations stock travel-specific vaccines. Pharmacists can administer shots during walk-in appointments in most states.
County health departments and federally qualified health centers often provide vaccines at lower costs than private clinics. They typically stock routine immunizations and some travel vaccines, though the selection may be more limited. Some health departments are official yellow fever vaccination centers.
Your primary care doctor may offer basic travel vaccines, but many offices do not stock specialty vaccines or provide comprehensive travel health consultations. Check with your provider at least two months before travel to allow time for referrals if needed.
Timing and Planning Before Departure
Start the vaccine process four to six weeks before departure. Some vaccines, like hepatitis A and B, require two or three doses spaced over weeks or months to reach full protection. Others, like typhoid and rabies, also follow multi-dose schedules.
A few vaccines provide same-day protection (tetanus, meningitis), but most take one to two weeks after the final dose to build immunity. Yellow fever certification requires the vaccine at least 10 days before entry to certain countries.
The CDC's travel health page (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) lists vaccine requirements and recommendations by destination. Some countries legally require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Other vaccines are recommended based on your activities, length of stay, and health conditions.
Book a travel health consultation if you are visiting rural areas, staying longer than a few weeks, or have chronic health conditions. Consultations cost $100 to $300 but include a personalized vaccine plan and prescriptions for preventive medications like malaria pills.
Typical Vaccine Costs
Routine vaccines often covered by insurance include hepatitis A ($50 to $100 per dose), hepatitis B ($50 to $150 per dose), tetanus/diphtheria ($40 to $80), and MMR ($70 to $130). Check with your insurer before scheduling, as coverage depends on whether the visit is coded as preventive care.
Travel-specific vaccines are usually not covered by insurance. Yellow fever costs $150 to $300, Japanese encephalitis runs $250 to $350 per dose (two doses needed), rabies costs $300 to $500 per dose (three doses needed), and typhoid ranges from $80 to $150.
Health department clinics and community health centers charge lower fees than private travel clinics. Some offer sliding-scale pricing based on income. Pharmacies typically charge mid-range prices and may accept insurance for covered vaccines.
Travel health consultations add $100 to $300 to the total cost at specialized clinics. Some clinics waive the consultation fee if you receive vaccines on-site. Pharmacies generally do not charge separate consultation fees.
What Insurance Covers
Most private insurance and Medicare cover routine vaccines recommended by the CDC for all adults, including hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and MMR. These are typically covered as preventive care with no copay under the Affordable Care Act.
Travel-specific vaccines like yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and rabies are rarely covered by insurance because they are not part of routine preventive care. You pay out of pocket for the vaccine and the administration fee.
Some insurers cover vaccines if your doctor documents a medical reason beyond travel. For example, hepatitis A might be covered for someone with chronic liver disease even if the initial reason for getting it is travel. Pre-authorization may be required.
Medicaid coverage for travel vaccines varies by state. Most state Medicaid programs cover routine vaccines but not travel-specific ones. Contact your state Medicaid office or check the health department for low-cost options if you are enrolled in Medicaid.
Yellow Fever and Official Vaccination Centers
Yellow fever vaccine is only available at certified vaccination centers designated by state health departments. The vaccine requires specialized handling and providers must be trained in administration and documentation. Find a center at CDC's yellow fever clinic search page.
The vaccine costs $150 to $300 and includes an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) that proves immunization. Some countries require this certificate for entry, and officials may check it at borders.
You must receive yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before entering a country that requires it. The certificate is valid for life. Keep the yellow card with your passport, as you may need to show it at multiple points during international travel.
Not everyone can receive yellow fever vaccine. It is contraindicated for infants under nine months, pregnant women, people with severe egg allergies, and those with weakened immune systems. A doctor can provide a medical waiver letter if you cannot receive the vaccine for health reasons.
Lower-Cost Options and Assistance Programs
County health departments offer vaccines at reduced costs, sometimes on a sliding fee scale. Call your local health department to ask about travel vaccine availability and pricing. Some departments are yellow fever vaccination centers.
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) provide care on a sliding scale based on income and family size. Find a center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Not all centers stock travel vaccines, so call ahead.
Some universities with travel medicine programs offer lower-cost vaccine clinics, especially if you are a student or employee. Check with university health services if you are affiliated with a college.
If you need vaccines but cannot afford them, ask about payment plans at private clinics or check whether your county health department participates in vaccine assistance programs. Vaccines for Children (VFC) covers routine vaccines for eligible children, but there is no equivalent federal program for adult travel vaccines.
Common questions
How far in advance should I get travel vaccines?
Start four to six weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over weeks, and most need one to two weeks after the final dose to provide full protection. Yellow fever must be given at least 10 days before entry to countries that require it.
Does insurance cover travel vaccines?
Insurance usually covers routine vaccines like hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and MMR as preventive care. Travel-specific vaccines like yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and rabies are rarely covered. You typically pay out of pocket for these shots.
Where can I get yellow fever vaccine?
Yellow fever vaccine is only available at certified vaccination centers designated by state health departments. These include some county health departments, travel clinics, and pharmacies. Find a center through the CDC yellow fever clinic search. The vaccine costs $150 to $300 and includes an official vaccination certificate.
How much do travel vaccines cost without insurance?
Common travel vaccines range from $50 to $150 per dose (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus). Yellow fever costs $150 to $300. Japanese encephalitis runs $250 to $350 per dose with two doses needed. Rabies costs $300 to $500 per dose with three doses required. Health departments and community clinics charge lower fees than private travel clinics.
Can I get travel vaccines at a regular pharmacy?
Many national pharmacy chains offer common travel vaccines like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus. Not all locations stock travel-specific vaccines, so call ahead. Pharmacies generally do not carry yellow fever vaccine, which is only available at certified centers.
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Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.