North Korea
North Korea is a unique and mysterious country that offers a glimpse into a world that is largely unknown to outsiders. Despite its reputation as a closed and secretive nation, North Korea has a lot to offer tourists who are willing to take the time to explore its many attractions. From the bustling capital city of Pyongyang to the scenic countryside and historic landmarks, North Korea is a fascinating destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. However, it is important to note that travel to North Korea is heavily regulated and visitors must adhere to strict rules and guidelines during their stay.
Routine Immunizations
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before traveling. Note that many vaccines that are now considered "routine" were not available until recent decades so you may not have received them at all, depending on your age and other factors. Here are a few specific vaccines we would like to call your attention to:
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Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
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Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
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Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis B was not part of the routine immunization schedule in the U.S. until 1995 and hepatitis A did not become a part of routine childhood immunizations until 2006. So if you were born before 2005 you may need one or both of these vaccines. Many people opt for Hep A only because it is commonly spread through food and water, but Hep B spread through blood and other body fluids is essential too--especially if you find yourself in an under-resourced hospital in the developing world.
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Polio: There is currently a global outbreak of polio and the U.S. CDC is recommending adults who have been fully immunized as children get a single life-time booster as an adult before traveling to many global destinations. The CDC's list of polio outbreak countries is constantly updating so check the CDC's polio list to see if your destination is on the list.
Infants, 6 to 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR and Hepatitis A prior to visiting North Korea. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.
North Korea Immunization Recommendations and Requirements
Talk to a travel health specialist
At Away Clinic we specialize in getting travelers ready for their trips to the world's most exotic destinations. We would be glad to assist you at the following locations:
To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865, or email us.
