Tuvalu

Find Out What Vaccinations You Need For

Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the South Pacific, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. With a population of just over 11,000 people, Tuvalu offers a unique and authentic experience for tourists seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and fishing in the pristine waters, as well as exploring the local culture and traditions through traditional dances, handicrafts, and cuisine. Tuvalu is also home to several historic sites, including World War II relics and ancient Polynesian ruins. With its warm climate, beautiful scenery, and welcoming community, Tuvalu is the perfect destination for those seeking a true island paradise.

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:

Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
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.
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 Tuvalu. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Tuvalu Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Rabies Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

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

The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine to most travelers who are visiting Tuvalu. This especially applies to those staying with the locals or visiting smaller towns or rural areas.

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.

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:

Phoenix AZ Clinic

Chandler AZ Clinic

Scottsdale AZ Clinic

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