6 Travel Vaccines For Nomads

Now that we got an overview of the 4 standard vaccines we need, and should get updated regularly, let's move to the topic of travel vaccines.

In Germany, before going on vacations, we (most Germans) would bring our yellow vaccination booklet to our family doctor and according to the suggestions, we would get additional vaccines.

For example, I spent my 9th grade at a boarding school in Tamil Nadu in India. I remember that I got all the standard vaccinations up-to-date plus additional vaccines against typhoid fever, rabies, and the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is similar to dengue or yellow fever.

When I moved to Vietnam in 2016, I made sure to have the standard vaccinations up-to-date and I took my yellow vaccination booklet with me. I still carry it around (out of nostalgia) but today I use The Vaccine App, which helps me to keep track of my vaccinations and their expiry dates.

🦠 #1 Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.

It is primarily spread through contaminated food and water and can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Short facts about typhoid vaccines

• Transmitter: The bacterium is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with someone who is infected.
• Symptoms: High fever (39,4°C- 40°C), weakness and fatigue, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
• Who should get vaccinated: Recommended if you are traveling to areas where food and water hygiene may be poor, especially in developing countries.
• Vaccinal immune protection: Immunity depends on the type of vaccination and is between 2 and 5 years.
• Full protection: Oral vaccine needs multiple doses. The injectable vaccine requires 1 dose.
• Cost for vaccination: Without health insurance, average costs in European countries are €20 to €50 per dose. The USA charges more than $100 per dose.
• Treatment cost without vaccination: In the US, the cost of Typhoid fever treatment can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the duration of the illness, the type of treatment required, and the need for hospitalization.
• Good two know: It is important to note that the typhoid vaccine does not provide 100% protection against typhoid fever, and it is still important to take precautions to avoid exposure to the bacteria, such as practicing good hygiene, drinking only boiled or bottled water, and avoiding food that may be contaminated with the bacteria.

🐶 #2 Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite or scratch.

It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle weakness, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

• Transmitter: Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes.
• Symptoms: During the prodromal stage, which typically lasts 2 to 10 days, individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, and fatigue. They may also experience pain or tingling at the site of the bite or scratch. After it might happen that symptoms occur in the form of anxiety or confusion, hallucinations or delirium, insomnia, paralysis, or coma.
• Who should get vaccinated: Recommended if you will be spending time in rural areas where there is an increased risk of exposure to animals such as dogs, bats, and monkeys.
• Vaccinal immune protection: At least up to 10 years.
• Full protection: The amount of doses depends on the type of vaccine but normally is between 3 and 4 doses. A booster every 2 to 10 years is recommended.
• Costs: Without health insurance, average costs in European countries are between €50 and €100 per dose. The US charges around $200 per dose.
• Treatment cost without vaccination: Average medical treatment in the US ranges around $15,000 for a 10-day course of treatment.
• Good to know: In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures include avoiding contact with wild or stray animals. Additionally, vaccinate your domestic pets against Rabies.

🤢 #3 Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

It can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

• Transmitter: The bacteria are spread from person to person through close contact with respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, or kissing. The bacteria can also be spread by sharing items such as utensils, drinking glasses, or cigarettes.
• Symptoms: Most symptoms are high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, and Rash, which may be a red or purple color, and may look like small, pinpoint spots or larger, flat patches. The rash can be a late sign of the infection, and may not appear in all cases.
• Who should get vaccinated: Recommended if you will be traveling to areas where there is an increased risk of meningococcal disease such as sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage, or during certain outbreaks.
• Vaccinal immune protection: Protection lasts for at least 5 years, and often longer. A booster dose after 5 years is recommended.
• Full protection: For adults, a single dose of the conjugate vaccine is usually recommended, although some individuals at high risk of exposure may require additional doses.
• Costs: Without health insurance, average costs in European countries are between €40 to €100. In the USA the cost of a single dose of the meningococcal vaccine can range from $130 to $200.
• Treatment cost without vaccination: The average cost of hospitalization for Meningococcal disease in the USA is approximately $40,000.
• Good to know: It is important to note that Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect that you have been exposed to Meningococcal disease, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible.

🤒 #4 Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in tropical areas of Africa and South America. It can cause fever, muscle pain, and other symptoms and in severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. Vaccination is available for the prevention of yellow fever.

• Transmitter: Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, typically the Aedes aegypti species.
• Symptoms: The symptoms usually appear within 3 to 6 days after infection and can last for several days to weeks. Symptoms are high fever, headache, fatigue, Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and eyes (in severe cases).
• Who should get vaccinated: Required for travel to certain countries in Africa and tropical South America.
• Vaccinal immune protection: life-long.
• Full protection: 1 dose needed.
• Costs for vaccination: The cost of vaccination in most European countries vary between €25 and €50 per dose. The USA charges up to $100 per dose.
• Treatment cost without vaccination: According to a report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016, the median hospitalization cost for yellow fever in the USA was approximately $33,000.
• Good two know: Most people recover after the acute phase of the illness, but a small percentage of people can go on to develop severe or fatal complications.

🐒 #5 Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in rural areas of Asia.

It can cause inflammation of the brain and can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, and seizures, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

*The costs include 2 initial vaccines and the booster after 1 to 2 years as only 3 shots give full protection.

• Transmitter: This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) in humans.
• Symptoms: Symptoms are high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, coma
• Who should get vaccinated: Recommended if you are traveling Asia, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, or who plans to stay for an extended period of time.
• Vaccinal immune protection: Up to several years, after receiving a booster dose.
• Full protection: 2 doses are usually required for full protection, with a booster after 1 to 2 years.
• Costs: Without health insurance, average costs in Europe are between €80 and €120 per dose. The USA charges around $200 per dose.
• Treatment cost without vaccination: According to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, the median cost of hospitalization for Japanese encephalitis in the United States was $47,000. This cost included an average hospital stay of 13 days, as well as medical treatment and diagnostic testing. In addition to the cost of hospitalization, individuals with Japanese encephalitis may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to address any long-term effects of the illness.
• Good to know: Not everyone infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus will show symptoms, but in severe cases, the infection can lead to permanent brain damage or death. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have recently traveled to an area where Japanese encephalitis is common.

🌏 #6 COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

It can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe and can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.

• Transmitter: The coronavirus (COVID-19) is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
• Symptoms: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting
• Who should get vaccinated: The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for most people aged 12 years and older, with few exceptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine get vaccinated, including those who have already had COVID-19.
• Vaccinal immune protection: The duration of immune protection from a COVID-19 vaccine and the number of doses required depend on the specific vaccine that is being used. In general, protection is provided for at least 6 months.
• Full protection: Depending on the specific vaccine, the number of doses varies between 1 and 3.
• Costs: COVID-19 vaccination is free of charge in most countries.
• Treatment costs without vaccination: Average cost for hospitalization for COVID-19 in the US was $73,000 in 2020.
• Good to know: Several countries have implemented policies that require visitors to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result in order to enter. These policies vary by country and are subject to change, so it's important to check with the relevant authorities before planning any travel.

🗂️ 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 come very costly.

If you do have national health insurance in your home country or in 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 Nativef 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).

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