Travel Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Worry
Are Travel Vaccines Safe? Common Side Effects, Rare Complications, and What Your Body's Doing
Travel Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Worry
Planning your overseas adventure is exciting, but protecting your health through vaccination is a crucial part of your preparation. At 1 Health, we understand that concerns about vaccine side effects can sometimes hold travellers back from getting the protection they need. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what's normal, what's rare, and when you should seek medical attention after receiving travel vaccines.
Understanding Why Side Effects Occur
When you receive a travel vaccine, your body's immune system springs into action. The soreness, mild fever, or fatigue you might experience aren't signs that something's wrong—they're actually evidence that your immune system is working exactly as it should. Vaccines stimulate your body to recognise and fight off specific infections without causing the actual illness.[1][2]
Common Side Effects: What Most Travellers Experience
The vast majority of people who receive travel vaccines experience either no side effects at all or very mild reactions that resolve within a few days.[1][2][3]
Local Reactions at the Injection Site
The most frequently reported side effect is discomfort where the needle entered your arm. This typically includes:[2][3][1]
· Soreness, pain, or tenderness – affecting 50-75% of vaccine recipients, particularly with typhoid vaccine
· Mild swelling or a small hard lump at the injection site
· Redness around the area
· Warmth to the touch
These local reactions usually appear within a few hours of vaccination and typically resolve within 24-48 hours. Applying a cool compress and gently moving your arm can help reduce discomfort.[2]
Systemic Reactions: Body-Wide Responses
Some travellers experience mild symptoms throughout their body, including:[1][4][2][3]
· Low-grade fever (usually under 38.5°C) – occurring in fewer than 10% of people
· Fatigue or tiredness – particularly common with typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines
· Headache – reported by 8-14% of vaccine recipients
· Muscle aches (myalgia) – especially with typhoid vaccine, affecting up to 47% of adults
· General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
· Mild nausea or stomach upset – occasionally reported with oral typhoid vaccine
These symptoms typically begin within the first day or two after vaccination and usually last only 1-3 days.[5][6][1]
Vaccine-Specific Side Effects: What to Expect
Different travel vaccines have slightly different side effect profiles. Here's what you need to know about the most common travel vaccinations:
Hepatitis A Vaccine
One of the most well-tolerated travel vaccines, hepatitis A vaccination rarely causes significant problems:[7][6]
· Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect
· Mild headache or loss of appetite in children
· Feeling tired for a day or two
· Low fever (uncommon)
Side effects usually last only 1-2 days and are generally very mild.[6][7]
Typhoid Vaccine
Injectable typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi) produces the following reactions:[5][8]
· Injection site pain (affecting 52-76% of recipients)
· Myalgia (muscle aches) in up to 47% of adults
· Fatigue in approximately 25% of adults
· Headache in 8-14% of recipients
· Fever in fewer than 1% of people
The oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) has a different side effect profile, causing mainly gastrointestinal upset and rash in a small percentage of people.[9][10]
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Generally safe and effective, yellow fever vaccine causes mild reactions in 10-30% of people:[4]
· Headache
· Low-grade fever
· Muscle aches (myalgia)
· Symptoms typically begin within a few days and last 5-10 days
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
The modern inactivated vaccine (IXIARO) used in New Zealand generally produces mild side effects:[11]
· Pain and tenderness at the injection site
· Headache
· Muscle aches
· Low-grade fever
Side effects are typically mild and short-lived.[1][11]
Rabies Vaccine
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination commonly causes:[12][13]
· Local pain and swelling at the injection site
· Headache
· Nausea
· Sore or weak muscles
· Fever
· Tiredness
These symptoms usually occur after each dose in the series and are generally mild.[13][12]
Meningococcal Vaccines
Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) typically cause:[14][15][16]
· Low-grade fever (2-10% of recipients)
· Injection site pain
· Headache
· Malaise and fatigue
· The MenB vaccine can cause higher fevers, particularly in children under 2 years
Cholera/ETEC Vaccine (Dukoral)
This oral vaccine is generally well tolerated, with side effects affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people:[17][18]
· Headache
· Diarrhoea or loose stools
· Abdominal discomfort, cramps, or gurgling
· Nausea
· Cough or runny nose
Managing Common Side Effects at Home
Most vaccine side effects can be easily managed with simple measures:[2][3][19]
For Injection Site Discomfort:
· Apply a cool, wet cloth or ice pack to the area
· Gently move and use your arm to reduce stiffness
· Avoid applying heat, which can increase inflammation
For Fever and Body Aches:
· Rest and give your body time to respond to the vaccine
· Stay well hydrated
· Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (always follow dosing instructions)
· Wear light clothing and keep cool
General Care:
· Plan to take it easy for the first day or two after vaccination
· Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of vaccination
· Keep well hydrated
· Get adequate sleep
Infographic detailing mild to serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and advice on when to seek medical help.
Rare but Serious Reactions: When to Seek Help
While serious reactions to travel vaccines are extremely rare, it's important to recognise warning signs that require immediate medical attention.[4][20][21]
Anaphylaxis: A Severe Allergic Reaction
Anaphylaxis is extremely rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 vaccine doses. This is why vaccination clinics ask you to wait 15-20 minutes after receiving your vaccine—so healthcare professionals can quickly treat any allergic reaction if it occurs.[20][22][4]
Signs of anaphylaxis include:[21][23][20]
· Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
· Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
· Widespread rash or hives
· Rapid heartbeat
· Dizziness, light-headedness, or loss of consciousness
· Pale or clammy skin
Action required: Call 111 immediately or go straight to the nearest emergency department if you experience these symptoms.[20][21]
Other Serious Reactions Requiring Medical Attention
While rare, contact your GP or seek medical care if you experience:[2][24][21]
· High fever (above 39°C) lasting more than 48 hours
· Severe or increasing swelling and redness at the injection site with fever or pus
· Persistent vomiting (more than 5 times in 24 hours)
· Severe headache that doesn't respond to pain relief
· Neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or confusion
· Chest pain or discomfort
· Symptoms that worsen rather than improve after 2-3 days
Yellow Fever Vaccine-Specific Concerns
Two very rare but serious side effects are associated with yellow fever vaccine:[25][26][4]
· Viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) – affecting multiple organs
· Neurotropic disease (YEL-AND) – affecting the nervous system
These reactions are more common in first-time vaccine recipients over 60 years of age. Your travel doctor will carefully assess your risk factors before recommending this vaccine.[4]
Distinguishing Vaccine Side Effects from Illness
It's important to differentiate between normal vaccine reactions and signs that you might have caught an infection:[2][27]
Normal Vaccine Reaction:
· Symptoms begin within 1-3 days of vaccination
· Fever (if present) is usually low-grade and short-lived
· No respiratory symptoms like cough, runny nose, or sore throat
· Symptoms gradually improve over 2-3 days
Possible Illness:
· Symptoms begin more than 3 days after vaccination or persist beyond 3 days
· Presence of cough, sore throat, runny nose
· Fever lasting longer than 48 hours
· Symptoms worsening rather than improving
If you're unsure, it's always best to contact your healthcare provider for advice.[27][2]
Special Considerations for Different Travellers
Multiple Vaccines at Once
It's common and safe to receive several travel vaccines during the same appointment. Studies show that administering multiple vaccines at one visit doesn't increase the rate of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of any vaccine. However, you might notice that if you receive multiple injections, the cumulative effect might make you feel more tired or achy than if you'd received just one vaccine.[28]
Pregnant Women
Most travel vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, live vaccines like yellow fever should generally be deferred unless travel to a high-risk area is unavoidable. Always inform your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.[14]
Older Travellers
People over 60 years may have a slightly higher risk of serious reactions to certain vaccines, particularly yellow fever. However, this risk is still extremely small, and vaccination is generally recommended if travel to endemic areas is planned.[4]
Immunocompromised Individuals
If you have a weakened immune system due to medication or medical conditions, discuss this with your travel doctor. Some vaccines may need to be modified or avoided, and you may need additional monitoring after vaccination.[29][14]
The Benefits Far Outweigh the Risks
It's natural to have concerns about side effects, but it's crucial to put these risks in perspective. The diseases that travel vaccines prevent can cause serious illness, long-term complications, or even death.[30][31][32]
Consider these facts:
· Typhoid fever causes persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, and can lead to serious complications requiring hospitalisation
· Hepatitis A can cause months of debilitating liver inflammation
· Yellow fever has a case-fatality rate of 20-50% in severe cases
· Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear
· Japanese encephalitis causes permanent neurological damage in many survivors
By comparison, the temporary discomfort of a sore arm or a day of feeling tired is a very small price to pay for protection against these serious diseases.[1][4][31][30]
Reducing Your Risk of Side Effects
While you can't completely eliminate the possibility of side effects, there are steps you can take to minimise discomfort:[19][33]
Before Your Appointment:
· Eat a proper meal before vaccination to prevent light-headedness
· Stay well hydrated
· Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm
· Consider scheduling vaccines at a time when you can rest afterwards
During Your Appointment:
· Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, previous vaccine reactions, or medical conditions
· Ask questions if you're unsure about anything
· Try to stay relaxed—muscle tension can increase injection discomfort
After Your Appointment:
· Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider
· Have paracetamol or ibuprofen on hand if needed
· Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day
· Keep track of any symptoms in case you need to report them
When to Schedule Your Travel Vaccines
To allow time for any side effects to resolve well before your departure, we recommend scheduling your travel vaccine consultation 6-8 weeks before you leave New Zealand. This timeframe also allows for vaccines requiring multiple doses to be completed before travel.[34][35][19]
However, if your trip is approaching quickly, don't let timing concerns prevent you from getting vaccinated. Some protection is always better than none, and many vaccines (like hepatitis A) begin providing protection within days of administration.[19]
Why Choose 1 Health for Your Travel Vaccinations
At 1 Health in Christchurch, our experienced team specialises in travel medicine and is committed to ensuring your journey is safe and healthy. We provide:
· Comprehensive pre-travel consultations tailored to your specific itinerary
· Evidence-based vaccine recommendations
· Professional administration by trained healthcare providers
· Clear guidance on what to expect after vaccination
· Follow-up support if you have concerns about side effects
· All necessary documentation for your travels
Our team understands the unique health risks associated with different destinations and can help you make informed decisions about your vaccination needs.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health While Travelling
Travel vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from serious infectious diseases when exploring the world. While side effects can occur, they're typically mild, short-lived, and far preferable to the diseases they prevent.
Understanding what to expect after vaccination empowers you to travel with confidence, knowing that you've taken important steps to protect your health. The temporary discomfort of a sore arm or a day of tiredness is a small investment in ensuring your overseas adventure remains memorable for all the right reasons.
If you have questions or concerns about travel vaccine side effects, our team at 1 Health is here to provide personalised advice and support throughout your travel health journey.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about travel vaccine side effects and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual responses to vaccines can vary, and recommendations should be tailored to your specific health status and travel itinerary. Before receiving any travel vaccines, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your individual needs and provide personalised recommendations. If you experience any concerning symptoms after vaccination, seek medical attention promptly.
Ready to protect yourself for your next adventure? Book your travel health consultation at 1 Health today. Our experienced team will ensure you have the protection you need and the knowledge to recognise and manage any side effects. Contact us to schedule your appointment and travel with confidence.
About the Author
Dr Bernard Teo is the Medical Director of 1 Health Medical Centre in Christchurch. He holds an MBChB, is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP), and has completed postgraduate diplomas in Occupational Medicine (with Distinction) and Dermatology. With extensive experience in general practice and travel medicine, Dr Teo is committed to providing evidence-based healthcare and helping Kiwi travellers stay healthy abroad.
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