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Pakistan

Pakistan is a diverse and culturally rich country that offers a unique travel experience for Americans. From the bustling cities of Lahore and Karachi to the stunning natural beauty of the northern regions, Pakistan has something for everyone. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, hike in the Himalayas, sample delicious cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. While there are security concerns in some areas, with proper planning and precautions, travelers can have a safe and rewarding trip to Pakistan.

Pakistan Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Before traveling, make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine immunizations including influenza and COVID-19. 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.

Infants, 6 to 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR and Hepatitis A prior to visiting Pakistan. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Cholera Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Cholera is presumed to be present in Pakistan. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

About Cholera

Cholera can be a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria that is mainly spread through contaminated food and water. About 1 in 10 people infected with cholera experience severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, leg cramps and restlessness.

About the Cholera Vaccine

The cholera vaccine, Vaxchora, is a live, weakened form of cholera bacteria that is ingested in liquid form (rather than injected). The vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before travel to an area of active cholera transmission. The vaccine lasts about 3 to 6 months.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Pakistan.

About Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A causes liver inflammation. This highly contagious disease is spread through person-to-person contact and eating contaminated food and drink.

About the Hep A Vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series, given 6 months apart. Hepatitis A vaccine wasn't added to routine childhood immunizations in the U.S. until 2006. Side effects are usually mild (sore arm, mild fever) and will go away on their own.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for travelers who
Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis
Consider vaccination for travelers
Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there
Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

About Japanese Encephalitis

JE is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia and the Western Pacific. JE is spread by mosquitoes. Most people infected with JE have no symptoms but a small number experience brain swelling (encephalitis).

About the JE Vaccine

Ixiaro, the JE vaccine, is given as a 2-dose series 7 (accelerated) or 28 days apart. The accelerated schedule is not available for children.

Malaria Prescriptions

CDC recommendations

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Pakistan take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
Find country-specific information about malaria.

About Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Malaria can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice also occur.

About Malaria Prescriptions

There is no vaccine for malaria available in the U.S. but several medications are available that act to prevent malaria infections when taken regularly, according to their designated schedule. The type of medicine prescribed depends on several factors, including age of patient and travel destination.

Polio Vaccine

CDC recommendations

A single lifetime booster dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) is recommended for adults who received the routine polio vaccination series as children; the routine series is recommended for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children and adults and those with unknown vaccination status.

About Polio

Poliovirus causes flu-like symptoms in 1 out of 4 who are infected. Some people infected with polio will also have infection of the covering of spinal cord/brain and/or paralysis. Polio is spread through mainly through contaminated food and water.

About the Polio Vaccine

IPOL, is a vaccine to prevent poliovirus infection. It is inactive, meaning virus material contained in it has been killed. Children in the U.S. get 4 doses of IPOL as part of their routine immunizations.

Rabies Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Pakistan. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Pakistan, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Pakistan.

About Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease spread through the bite of rabid animals. The rabies virus infects the brain and spine of mammals, ultimately leading to death. Once the disease is established there is no effective treatment and most people die from it.

About the Rabies Vaccine

A 2-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccine is available. The vaccine provides protection against rabies for up to 3 years.

Typhoid Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to "adventurous eating." A significant proportion of Salmonella Typhi strains found in Pakistan are extensively drug resistant but remain susceptible to azithromycin and carbapenems (more information).

About Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, headache, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhea.

About the Typhoid Vaccine

There are two typhoid vaccines available: a live, oral vaccine that is taken in the form of 4 pills over the course of a week and an injected inactivated vaccine. The vaccines should be taken (started in the case of oral typhoid) at least 2 weeks prior to travel if possible.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission.1

About Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause high fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. It can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hence the name "yellow fever."

About the Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is a one-time vaccine that confers life-long immunity to yellow fever virus. Many countries in Africa require proof of yellow fever immunity in order to travel. This requires that (a) yellow fever vaccine has been administered at least ten days prior to entry and (b) the international vaccination card has been properly filled out. The yellow fever vaccine is not available for infants under 9 months old. For travelers who are age 60 or over, or immune-compromised, a yellow fever waiver is often sufficient.

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:

Scottsdale, AZ

Chandler, AZ

To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865‬, or email us.

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Pakistan

Pakistan Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

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(480) 712-8865‬

Pakistan

Pakistan Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Talk to a travel health specialist

Check out our blog

Upcoming Trips

Our Travel Vaccine Clinics

Chandler, AZ Scottsdale, AZ

Sign up for travel health tips!

Chandler, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ