4 Standard Vaccines For Nomads

Our bodies are incredible machines. They can withstand so much.

A lousy flu, a mild Covid infection, injuries from accidents, and chronic illnesses. They can in many cases.

Being aware of the heated debate on vaccines, I am willing to enter the arena and talk to you about vaccines.

This article is dedicated to pro-vaccination readers and shall be a kind reminder to update your routine vaccination status.

However, this article is about recommended vaccinations and routine vaccines and not about travel vaccines.

Read more about Travel vaccines for nomads.

⛵️ Vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization

You probably got the standard vaccinations recommended by the World Health Organization when you were born. You received follow-up shots and went to refresh sessions before the vaccines' expiry dates.

Not sure how vaccinations are regulated where you are from, but in Germany, vaccinations are recorded in a small yellow booklet.

The World Health Organization recommends certain vaccines, including vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, as well as hepatitis A and B.

Being fully immunized against these routine diseases reduce your health risks.

I am pro-vaccinations when it comes to my own health. Of course, it is a personal decision, and no matter if you got the Covid-shot or not, we can still be friends.

Vaccinations and votes should not end conversations, friendships, or relationships.

The questions arise which standard vaccination coverage do nomads need? And how much do refreshing booster shots of routine vaccines cost? Because, hell yes! They can get really expensive!

💡 Standard vaccinations cheatsheet

There is a high chance that you are vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (TDaP), polio, and Hepatitis A+B.

These are standard vaccinations in many countries, for example in Europe and the USA and they are recommended by the World Health Organization.

Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases, for example, MMR, TDaP, polio, and hepatitis.

MMR vaccinations give you life-long protection, and there is a booster shot necessary. The other standard vaccinations require a booster shot.

*The estimated costs are the costs per full vaccine incl. all necessary doses. For TDP and Hepatitis B, you should get a booster shot after the recommended time.

👶🏼 Standard vaccinations without a booster

#1 Measles, mumps, and rubella - MMR vaccine

• Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, rash, cough, and respiratory symptoms. It can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Mumps: Mumps is another highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the salivary glands. It can also lead to complications such as meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis, and deafness.
• Rubella: Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral disease that can cause fever, rash, and arthritis. It can also cause serious complications if a woman contracts the disease during pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause deafness, blindness, heart defects, and developmental delays in the baby.

Short facts about the MMR vaccine

• Transmitter: All three diseases are viral infections and spread through respiratory droplets and contact with infected surfaces.
• Vaccination: This vaccine protects against three viral diseases that can cause serious illness and complications, especially in young children.
• Who should get vaccinated? The MMR vaccine is recommended for all individuals who have not been previously vaccinated or who have not had these diseases.
• Vaccinal immune protection: life-long.
• Full protection: 2 doses.
• Estimated out-of-pocket costs: 1 dose costs between €40 and €50 in Germany, between $75 and $100 in the USA, and between $20 and $50 in many Asian countries. To have full protection, 2 doses are necessary.
• Costs for treatments: When not having the MMR vaccination, and you catch one of the MMR viruses, the treatment costs can exceed tens of thousands of Euros or Dollars, as hospitalization and long-term care will be needed.
• Good to know: In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, can help prevent the spread of these infections.

📅 Standard vaccinations with boosters

#2 Polio vaccine

Also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. It can lead to paralysis and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Short facts about the polio vaccine

• Transmitter: Polio is transmitted through contact with the feces of an infected person or through respiratory secretions. The virus can also survive on contaminated surfaces and can spread easily in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Symptoms: Fever, Sore throat, Headache, Nausea and vomiting, Fatigue, general weakness, paralysis
• Who should get vaccinated: The polio vaccination is recommended for all individuals who have not been previously vaccinated or who have not had a booster shot within the last 10 years.
• Vaccinal immune protection: The WHO recommends a routine immunization during childhood, a booster at age 18 with a second booster 10 years after the first booster.
• Full protection: 1 dose with 2 additional boosters, each booster with a period of 10 years in between. For example, 1st in childhood, 2nd at age 18, 3rd at age 28.
• Estimated out-of-pocket costs: between €20 and €50 in Europe, between $50 and $100 in the USA, and between $20 and $50 in many Asian countries.
• Costs of treatment: In general, the costs associated with polio can be significant, particularly for severe cases that require hospitalization and long-term care. In some cases, patients may require respiratory support or surgery, which can increase the cost of treatment.
• Good to know: There is no cure for Polio, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment may include physical therapy, orthopedic devices, and breathing support.

#3 Diphtheria, Tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine

• Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that can cause muscle stiffness, spasms, and even seizures. It is usually contracted through open wounds or cuts and can be fatal if left untreated.
• Diphtheria: Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that can cause a sore throat, fever, and breathing difficulties. It can also lead to serious complications such as heart failure, paralysis, and even death.
• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can cause severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. It can be especially dangerous for infants and young children and can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Short facts about the DTaP vaccine

• Transmitter: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (whooping cough) are three bacterial infections that can enter the body through a wound or cut.
• Vaccination: The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine is considered necessary because these three bacterial diseases can cause serious health complications, especially in children, adolescents, and older adults.
• Who should get vaccinated: The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all individuals who have not been vaccinated or who have not had a booster shot within the last 10 years.
• Vaccinal immune protection: Boosters are recommended every 10 years.
• Full protection: 1 dose, and an additional booster every 10 years.
• Estimated out-of-pocket costs: between €20 and €50 in Europe, between $50 and $100 in the USA, and between $20 and $50 in many Asian countries.
• Costs for treatments: For example, the cost of hospitalization for a severe case of pertussis in the USA can exceed $50,000 and the cost of tetanus treatment can exceed $20,000.
• Good to know: Treatment for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis typically involves supportive care, such as wound care and respiratory support, and antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term health effects.

#4 Hepatitis A+B vaccine

Hepatitis A+B: Hepatitis A and B are viral infectious diseases that affect the liver.

Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B is primarily spread through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. The vaccination can be given single or as a combination vaccine against Hepatitis A and B.

Short facts about the Hepatitis A+B vaccine

• Transmitter: Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. Hepatitis B is typically spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, such as through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Who should get vaccinated: The hepatitis A+B vaccines are recommended for individuals who are traveling to areas where these diseases are endemic or who are at higher risk of infection, especially in developing countries.
• Vaccinal immune protection: Approximately between 15 and 20 years. It is recommended to receive a booster after 15 to 20 years.
• Full protection: Hepatitis A: 2 doses, 6 months apart. Hepatitis B: 3 doses over a period of 6 months.
• Costs for vaccination: 1 dose of Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B costs between €20 and €80 in Europe, around $100 in the USA, and between $20 and $70 in many Asian countries.
• Costs for treatment: For example, in the USA, the cost of hepatitis treatment can range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the type of treatment, duration, state, and clinic.
• Good to know: Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

🎀 Conclusion

You probably received the vaccines against MMR, polio, DTaP, and Hepatitis A+B as a child.

The MMR vaccine gives you life-long protection and does not need to be refreshed.

When you are older than 25, you should be finished with all polio vaccinations too.

Two standard vaccinations you should refresh regularly are DTaP and Hepatitis A+B.

🗂️ How to organize vaccines

Once we enter adulthood, it is on us to organize our routine and travel vaccinations.

Especially for traveling nomads who have no long-term family doctor who stores all vaccination records for us, it is important that we find ways to organize ourselves.

There are several ways to organize your vaccination status depending on your specific needs and preferences.

• Collect your vaccine data: Collect all your vaccination data, from newborn age and childhood to adulthood. You might have a vaccination booklet, a vaccination passport, vaccination cards, or any other proof of the vaccinations you have received so far.
• Organize your vaccine data: Once you have all your vaccine data together, organize it in any form it suits you. You can use an Excel file or you might want to use a digital form. When having your data digitalized you can access it at any time with your phone which comes in handy when traveling or in any emergency situations.
• The Vaccine App: This application allows you to keep track of your vaccination status. It keeps a digital record of all your past vaccinations as well as provides reminders once you need a booster. You can also upload PDFs or files so that you have all data in one place, handy whenever you need information.

💶 Are vaccines covered by insurance?

Paying standard vaccines out-of-pocket can be very costly.

If you do have national health insurance in your home country or another country of residence, check if the standard vaccine boosters are covered.

If you have international health insurance, the vaccine boosters should be covered.

⭐️ Genki Native Premium covers vaccines

When signing up for Genki's international health insurance Genki Native Premium, routine vaccinations are covered.

Additionally, Genki Native Premium covers travel vaccines, such as vaccination coverage against rabies, and yellow fever, and medications to prevent malaria.

🛟 Genki Explorer travel health insurance

• Who is this for: International travelers with long-term health coverage.
• Region of cover: Worldwide. Every single country. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose to have full or limited cover in Canada & the USA.
• Home country: When signing up for Genki Explorer you'll specify your "home country". That's the country where you have citizenship or permanent residence, and the place you would want to be returned to in case of a serious illness or injury. So, ideally it's a place where you have access to long-term health care and family/friends who can help you recover. With Genki Explorer, visits to your home country are covered for up to 42 days within each 180 day period.
• Inclusions & exclusions: Medical emergencies and medically necessary treatments (ear infection, flu), initial mental health issues, and sports injuries are covered. Pre-existing conditions and pre-existing pregnancies are not covered. See all benefits.
• Monthly costs: Genki Explorer starts from €48.30 a month (prices for ages 0-29). The monthly costs depend on the chosen deductible, and if you want to include or exclude the USA & Canada.

☂️ Genki Native international health insurance

• Who is this for: Digital nomads, expats, and other long-term travelers who want complete health cover.
• Region of cover: Worldwide (limited cover in Canada & USA).
• Period of cover: You can stay covered for as long as you need to (the minimum is 1 year).
• Home country: Genki Native is available for people from every country (including nomads without any legal residence). You can choose to have limited or full cover in your country of citizenship.
• Genki Native Basic: Genki Native Basic covers necessary medical treatment (inpatient and outpatient treatments) at any licensed doctor or hospital up to €1,000,000 per year. That includes accidents and emergencies, as well as common illnesses and injuries.
• Genki Native Premium: Genki Native Premium also covers preventive care/check-ups, plus dental, vision, maternity, mental health, and more. Genki Native Premium has no overall limit for medical costs and also includes full cover in your country of citizenship.
• Price: Genki Native Basic costs €180 per month (example price for someone aged 20-34 with no deductible). The exact price depends on your age and the benefits and deductible you choose; the price may increase based on the medical information in your application).