How should immunizations be handled for preschoolers traveling internationally?

• A. Travelers should skip vaccines to avoid travel delays
• B. Ensure up-to-date vaccines; check country requirements; plan boosters if needed
• C. Vaccinate only if child is sick
• D. Vaccinations are never required for travel

Answer: (B)

Before international travel, ensure routine immunizations are up to date and aligned with the child’s usual schedule. Many destinations have entry requirements tied to vaccination status, so checking country-specific rules helps prevent delays or denied travel and protects the child from diseases more common abroad. If any vaccines are due or close to expiring, plan boosters or catch-up doses before the trip when feasible, or coordinate with a pediatrician to time them appropriately so they don’t interfere with travel plans. In addition to maintaining routine vaccines, consider vaccines appropriate for the travel itinerary (for example, Hepatitis A or other region-specific vaccines) and carry documentation of immunizations. Vaccinations should not be skipped to avoid travel delays, and they are not optional for travel—they’re preventive measures that help protect the child and meet potential entry requirements.