Argomenti trattati
Preparing for an international trip includes more than booking flights and packing luggage. Vaccination needs vary with destination, age, existing medical conditions, job duties and personal activities, so it helps to start early: some schedules require up to six months to complete the full vaccine series. The Minnesota Department of Health does not offer travel consultations or administer travel vaccines, so travelers should consult other resources for destination-specific recommendations. The CDC Travelers’ Health pages provide country-by-country guidance on immunizations, food and water safety, and disease risks. If you’re unsure about routine childhood or adult shots, call your primary health care provider to verify your records before you travel.
Deciding where to get your shots depends on your destination. For travel to many countries in Africa, Central America, and South America, the yellow fever vaccine or other specialized vaccines may be required or strongly recommended. Only authorized facilities can administer the yellow fever vaccine, and these are typically international travel health clinics. For travel to places such as Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, your regular health care provider will usually be able to give needed immunizations. For destinations beyond those listed, an international travel health clinic is often the best source of comprehensive pre-travel care.
How to determine which vaccines you need
Begin by checking your itinerary against destination-specific advisories. The CDC Travelers’ Health resource lists recommended and required vaccines by country, including information on outbreaks and environmental risks. Consider personal factors such as age, chronic illnesses, pregnancy, and planned activities — for example, extended rural stays or work that increases insect exposure can change recommendations. Use the term routine vaccines to refer to immunizations recommended for everyday life (such as measles, mumps, rubella and tetanus): adults and children should be up to date on these before departure. If records are unclear, your primary care provider can confirm what’s missing and either provide shots or refer you to a travel clinic.
Routine immunizations and special considerations
Routine vaccines form the baseline of protection for travelers and are important even for short trips. Make sure both adults and children have completed age-appropriate routine vaccines — these reduce the chance of contracting common but preventable diseases while abroad. People with compromised immune systems, those taking certain medications, or pregnant travelers may need tailored advice. Insurance coverage for travel vaccinations varies; call your health plan’s member services to learn whether specific travel shots are covered and whether prior authorization is required. Planning ahead lets you avoid last-minute clinic visits and ensures you finish multi-dose series on schedule.
Yellow fever and international travel health clinics
The yellow fever vaccine requires administration at designated centers that are authorized to give it and issue an official certificate when needed for entry into some countries. These international travel health clinics often offer a wider range of pre- and post-travel services than a typical primary care office, including advice on malaria prevention, travel-related antibiotics, and destination-specific health counseling. Always call clinics before visiting: many require appointments and may ask that you see a clinician for evaluation before vaccination. For a broader list of authorized centers, consult the CDC search tool for yellow fever vaccination clinics.
Below are clinics that are authorized to administer the yellow fever vaccine and provide travel health services. Contact them directly to confirm services, hours and appointment requirements:
- North Iowa Mercy Internal Medicine — Mason City, IA — 800-756-4423
- Fargo/Cass Public Health Department — Fargo, ND — 701-298-6938
- Altru Main Clinic — Grand Forks, ND — 701-780-6234
- Sanford Health — Sioux Falls, SD — 605-328-8120
- Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center — La Crosse, WI — 800-362-9567
- St. Croix Regional Medical Center — St. Croix Falls, WI — 800-828-3627
Practical steps to take before you leave
Start by reviewing destination guidance on the CDC Travelers’ Health site and, if needed, calling 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or TTY 888-232-6348 for assistance. If your travel destination requires or suggests the yellow fever vaccine or other specialized immunizations, contact an authorized international travel health clinic early. Check with your insurance to find out what vaccines and clinic visits are covered. Remember to verify that all family members are current on routine vaccines and to schedule any multi-dose series well before departure. For official information and local policy, note that the Minnesota Department of Health does not provide travel vaccinations or consultations and refers travelers to the CDC and authorized clinics for these services.
Last updated: 03/06/2026