Are Travel Vaccines for Kids Changing in 2025?

Are Travel Vaccines for Kids Changing in 2025?

One of the most important things for parents to think about when travelling with kids is health, especially vaccines. Vaccines protect children from serious illnesses, and when travelling abroad, certain vaccines may be required or recommended.

As we are getting ready to enter 2026, it is important to know the latest updates to travel vaccine rules, which vaccines have been added or changed, and how these changes could affect your child’s safety and your travel plans.

Staying informed ensures that your children are fully protected, helps avoid last-minute problems, and makes your holiday safer and stress-free.

Image: A photo of a woman doctor in a white coat with a badge, administering an injection to a boy’s arm as he sits still, receiving the vaccine.

Why Children Need Travel Vaccines

Children are often more vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are still developing, and travel can expose them to diseases that are rare or controlled in your home country.

Vaccines protect your child from illnesses like measles, polio, yellow fever, and typhoid, which may be more common in other parts of the world. They also protect other travellers and communities, reducing the risk of spreading illnesses abroad or bringing them home.

Are Travel Vaccines for Kids Changing?

Health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) update their guidelines regularly. And while there haven’t been major changes in 2025, it is still important to be aware of current recommendations, which can vary depending on the destination you plan to visit.

Here are some common vaccines that you should consider when travelling with children:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - Most countries still require or recommend this vaccine for children, especially because of measles outbreaks in some regions.
• Polio - While polio is largely controlled worldwide, some countries still require proof of vaccination for entry.
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - Routine for children, but very important for international travel, especially to developing countries.
• Hepatitis A & B - Hepatitis A is recommended for children travelling to tropical regions, and Hepatitis B may be suggested depending on travel duration and activities.
• Typhoid - Recommended for destinations in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America where typhoid risk is higher.
• Yellow Fever - Required for entry into some countries in Africa and South America. Other countries require proof of vaccination even if transiting through an airport.
• Influenza (Flu) - Annual flu vaccines are increasingly recommended before international travel, especially during flu season in the destination country.

Image: A photo of a person’s hands wearing white gloves, holding a syringe while drawing medicine from a small vial, likely preparing for an injection.

Tips to Make Your Travel Smooth

Plan early - Some vaccines need multiple doses or take several weeks to become effective. Booking vaccinations well ahead of your trip is essential.

Check the rules and regulations in your destination - Entry requirements can vary by country and sometimes by region within a country. Always confirm what is required for your child’s age and itinerary.

Keep records - Carry your child’s up-to-date vaccination record, either printed or digital, as some border authorities may ask to see it.

Consult a travel clinic - Travel clinics can give advice tailored to your child’s health, age, and destinations.

Stay updated - Recommendations can change quickly, especially if new diseases emerge. Always check official health websites before travelling.

Conclusion

Travel vaccines for children haven’t changed dramatically in 2025, but staying informed is still essential. Routine vaccines remain important, and some destinations may now require additional shots to protect against specific illnesses.

Planning ahead, consulting your doctor or a travel clinic, and keeping vaccination records up to date ensures a safe, healthy, and worry-free trip for the whole family.