How to Get Immunized for Yemen

Recent tourist attacks in Yemen make it a dangerous place for Americans. The State Department cautions against non-essential travel there. Should you need to travel to Yemen, register with the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and get the necessary immunizations before you go.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website to obtain the most recent list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccinations are needed. Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers except young children and pregnant women. Get immunized for typhoid and a polio booster if you have not had one as an adult.

2. Review the status of your routine immunizations. Tetanus is needed once every 10 years. Get the booster for Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR), unless you are pregnant, if you never received a second vaccination. If you will have contact with local residents, get the Hepatitis B immunization.

3. Find out what the malaria situation is for Yemen at the World Health Organization(WHO) website. Malaria is present throughout Yemen, except Sanaa.

4. Call your physician at least 2 months prior to your trip to schedule the immunizations at the optimum time before departure. Receive Hepatitis A and other immunizations 2 months before travel.

5. Visit your physician at the properly scheduled times for the various vaccinations. Some combination vaccinations are available, such as hepatitis A+B and hepatitis A+typhoid, to reduce the number of pricks. Oral medications are available for typhoid and malaria prevention.

Tips & Warnings

• Get immunized for rabies when hiking or camping in rural areas.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Yemen when traveling from a country where there's a risk of contracting yellow fever.

Resources

• Register with the U.S. Embassy prior to arrival.
• Health information for travel to Yemen
• Health alerts for Yemen