Researching the health and safety concerns of your host country is a critical step in planning for a successful stay abroad. Before you go, we recommend consulting public health services in your area to find out about specific immunizations you may be required to have before entering your host country or countries in which you wish to travel.
Documentation of all immunizations should be taken abroad and may be required at your host university. Any immunization should be recorded with the officially approved stamp on the yellow form titled, “International Certificate of Vaccination,” as Approved by the World Health Organization. Forms or cards that are not properly stamped are not accepted by health authorities in many countries.
Since many immunizations require more than one visit to a clinic or cannot be taken together, you should plan appointments in advance. If you plan to travel outside your host country, check the health requirements for those additional countries. In most cases, health risks will be very similar to what you would experience in your own country. There are however, some countries or regions for which you may require additional immunizations, or where you may need to take additional precautions for the handling and consumption of certain foods and/or water.
Required and recommended immunizations for all ISEP students:
- The tetanus, diphtheria and polio (TDaP) and meningococcal vaccines are required for all students, particularly those living in student housing.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines (MMR) or physician-diagnosed cases of these diseases (which causes immunity) are required for all students.
- The hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine is recommended.
- Smallpox is considered to be eradicated by the World Health Organization. However, country regulations change frequently, so a vaccination may be needed.
We recommend visiting the following organizations’ websites for detailed and expert health and safety information:
As an ISEP participant, you are also entitled to receive health and safety information while travelling abroad through our global assistance provider, including referrals to doctors and hospitals in your immediate vicinity and up-to-date information on emerging issues of concern.