Travel Health Checklist

The items listed below will come in handy during your vacation to keep you healthy and safe. When searching by location on the CDC Travelers' Health website, you can also get destination-specific packing recommendations.

Before You Travel

Before traveling, the CDC recommends that you have all of your COVID-19 vaccines up to date, including additional doses for immunocompromised individuals and booster doses when available. Follow all requirements and recommendations at each location while traveling, and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe. Check the COVID-19 Travel Health Notice for your destination and visit the International Travel webpage for requirements and recommendations if you are traveling internationally.

Health Check before travel

Know Your Health Status ✔️

Prepare for your trip ahead of time so that you can stay safe and healthy.

Check out the CDC’s destination pages. Check the CDC’s website for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may require, as well as what diseases or health risks are a concern.

Check that you are up to date on all of your routine vaccinations. Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases like measles, which can spread quickly in unvaccinated groups. Many diseases that can be prevented by routine vaccination are uncommon in the United States but are prevalent in other countries.

Health Check before travel

Learn About your Health Status ✔️

Make an appointment with your doctor or a travel health specialist at least one month before your trip. They can assist you in obtaining destination-specific vaccines, medications, and information. When you discuss your health concerns, as well as your itinerary and planned activities, your provider will be able to provide more specific advice and recommendations.

Special conditions such as pregnancy, allergies, or chronic health problems.
Destinations on your itinerary.
Type of accommodations (hotels, hostels, short term rentals).
Type of travel (cruise, business, adventure travel).
Timing and length of your trip.
Planned activities.

Health Check before travel

Travel and sexual health ✔️

Among sex workers, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be frequent. In some regions of the world, prevalent STIs like gonorrhea have developed considerable medication resistance. When having sex with a new partner, make sure you always use protection.

It’s easy to get caught up in the romance of a vacation romance – but while the sand, sea, and sun set the tone, a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) can quickly derail it.

Many travelers engage in sexual activity with a new partner while away from home. According to studies, approximately 50% of people who engage in new sexual relationships abroad use condoms inconsistently. As a result, many STIs occur among returning travelers. Get STD Test Now.

To protect your health and the health of your prospective partners, sexual health awareness should be an important component of your pre-trip planning wherever you go.

About STIs

Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause STIs, which are spread through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) and skin-to-skin genital contact. STIs include the following:

Bacterial infections – bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and syphilis.
Viruses – herpes, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Zika Virus can also be sexually transmitted.
Parasites – trichomoniasis and pubic lice.

Health Check before travel

STIs and travel health insurance✔️

Standard travel health insurance policies do not cover costs associated with STI treatment. Your travel health insurance is there to assist you in the event of an unexpected emergency. As a result, engaging in behavior that is perceived to increase your risk of personal injury or illness can have an impact on your insurance coverage.

STIs are diagnosed as frequently during travel as they are after a traveller returns home. If you have unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner or if symptoms of a STI appear, you should see a doctor. It is important to note that many STIs have no visible signs or symptoms. If you are flying from Atlanta GA, Atlanta STD Testing Lab is providing private and confidential STD/STI Testing. Are you traveling to New York City? You can check your STD Status at NYC STD Testing Lab .

Health Check before travel

Travel Medicine Clinics✔️

If you are traveling to multiple countries or have a pre-existing health condition, you may need to see a travel medicine clinician. The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) can help you find a travel clinic near you.

If you are visiting a country where a yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required, you must go to a yellow fever vaccine clinic. Many of these clinics also provide additional travel-related shots and medications. Locate a US yellow fever vaccine center near you.

Health Check before travel

Blood Clots and Travel✔️

Flights of more than four hours may increase your risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Learn how to avoid blood clots while traveling.

Even if you travel a great distance, your chances of acquiring a blood clot are usually low. Your amount of risk is determined by the length of your trip and whether you have any additional blood clot concerns. Most persons who get blood clots when traveling have one or more other blood clot risks.

Protect Yourself and Reduce Your Blood Clot Risk While Traveling

Understand what to look for. Keep an eye out for blood clot signs and symptoms.
If you suspect you could be at risk for blood clots, talk to your doctor. If you’ve ever had a blood clot before, or if a family member has a history of blood clots or a hereditary clotting problem, talk to your doctor about your specific risks.
When traveling long distances, move your legs frequently and exercise your calf muscles to enhance blood flow. Take a moment to stretch your legs if you’ve been sitting for a long time. Flex your ankles and extend your legs straight out (pulling your toes toward you). Some airlines recommend bringing each knee up to your chest and holding it there for 15 seconds while resting your hands on your lower thigh. These activities help to enhance blood circulation in your legs.
If you’re worried about blood clots, talk to your doctor about how to avoid them. Wearing graduated compression stockings, for example, may be beneficial to some people.
If you’re taking blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, make sure you stick to your doctor’s instructions.