What Vaccinations Are Needed for Volunteer Work and Missions?

Making sure that you are vaccinated against illnesses is important and should be taken seriously.

Not only could you face a risk of exposure to disease, but travelling unvaccinated could also affect your ability to travel in certain countries if you pose a contamination risk. For example, Yellow Fever vaccination is a requirement in some countries in South America and Africa. If you are traveling to these countries, you will need to carry proof that you have received this vaccination.

Also, many of the volunteer programs will require volunteers to be properly vaccinated in order to take part in the program – so don’t put your health at risk!

Which Vaccinations Will I Need?

The vaccinations you will need for volunteering abroad will depend on the country you will be visiting. Also, they will depend on your health status and any pre-existing conditions you might have which make you more vulnerable to disease.

It is important to be protected from diseases such as hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever,  hepatitis B, tetanus and Polio for some destinations. Also, if you will be working with animals you will also need to be vaccinated against rabies.

It is also crucial to make sure that you are up to date on your routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis A and B.

Africa

When volunteers go to Africa, they are often involved in building schools, hospitals and other facilities – as well as teaching and charity work. Many regions of Africa are undeveloped, which means that there is a risk of food and water contamination.

In addition to your routine shots, recommended vaccinations may include:

• Rabies
• Malaria
• Hepatitis B – if at risk to accidents and may need blood transfusions etc. 
• Meningitis
• Yellow Fever
• Cholera

Asia

Most of the volunteer work in Asia is typically teaching and assisting charities, as well as animal care. The vaccinations you will need depend on which country you will be traveling to and what your living conditions will be.

In addition to your routine shots, recommended vaccinations may include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Polio
• Japanese Encephalitis

South America

Volunteer work in South America also involves volunteering at schools and within local communities, as well as in the field of environmental work and animal care.

In addition to your routine shots, recommended vaccinations may include:

• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Flu
• Chickenpox – if not previously exposed or vaccinated

When to Get Vaccinated

Be sure to arrange your vaccinations at least four to six weeks before volunteering abroad. Some vaccinations require a series of doses that must be taken within a specific interval of time, so this will make sure that they have enough time to work.

You can make an appointment with one of our travel vaccination specialist doctors today quickly and easily – just click the Book Now button below.