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Hepatitis A
If you’re going anywhere in the world except Canada, Western Europe, Japan, New Zealand, or Australia, you need this vaccine, given in two shots, six months apart. Hepatitis A, which is spread through contaminated food and water, is common in many parts of the world, and can cause jaundice, fatigue, nausea—and in rare cases, liver failure.
Polio
This crippling disease has basically been eradicated in the U.S. but it can still be found in Africa, South/Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Protect yourself with a one-time booster even if you got vaccinated as a child. Not sure? Be safe and get the three-dose series, four weeks apart.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
In the first half of this year, 156 confirmed cases of measles were reported to the CDC—the highest number since 1996. Many of these cases were acquired on trips outside of the U.S., so if you never got your vaccine as a kid, or you’re not sure, get the shot before going abroad. (Exception: If you were born before 1957, you’re most likely immune to the disease, experts say, so you can go needle-free.)
