Last-Minute Travel Vaccines: What Can Still Be Done Before You Fly

Many travelers assume that if their departure date is approaching, it is too late to receive travel vaccines. In reality, last-minute travel vaccination is often still possible, and timely medical consultation can significantly reduce health risks while abroad.

Is It Too Late to Get Travel Vaccines?

While some vaccines are ideally given weeks in advance, several necessary travel vaccines and preventive measures can still be administered shortly before departure. Even partial protection is preferable to none, especially when traveling to regions with active infectious disease risks.

Vaccines That Can Be Given Close to Departure

Depending on your destination and medical history, the following may still be recommended:

• Hepatitis A – provides meaningful protection even when given shortly before travel.

• Typhoid vaccine – injectable options can be used for short-notice travel

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Td/Tdap) – crucial if not up to date

• Influenza – relevant year-round in many destinations

• COVID-19 boosters – depending on eligibility and timing

In some cases, accelerated vaccine schedules may be used when appropriate.

Other Essential Last-Minute Travel Protection

Vaccines are only part of travel health preparation. A last-minute consultation may also include:

• Malaria prevention strategies or prescriptions, if indicated

• Antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea, with clear guidance on proper use

• Advice on food, water, insect, and animal exposure precautions

• Documentation review, including proof of vaccination requirements

Why You Should Still Book a Travel Consultation

Even a short consultation before departure can:

• Identify critical health risks specific to your destination.

• Update essential routine vaccines.

• Provide personalized medical advice for your itinerary and health status.

Travel health recommendations are individualized, and what is appropriate varies based on destination, length of stay, activities, and medical history.

Book as Soon as Possible

If you are traveling soon, do not delay seeking travel health advice. A same-week or even same-day appointment may still allow for meaningful protection and peace of mind before you fly.

It is rarely “too late” to do something, and often the right care at the right time can prevent serious illness while traveling.