Living in Hollywood means you're probably no stranger to international travel. Whether you're jetting off to scout a film location, visiting family abroad, or finally taking that vacation you've been planning since before the pandemic, getting the right vaccines before you leave is one of those things that's easy to put off — until you're three days from departure and suddenly panicking.
I see this more often than you'd think. Someone stops by the pharmacy to pick up sunscreen and bug spray for their trip, and casually mentions they're headed to Southeast Asia next week. That's when we have a quick chat about what they might need to protect themselves.
The good news? Many travel vaccines are available right here at walk-in pharmacies like ours. You don't always need a special travel clinic appointment weeks in advance (though for some destinations, you really do want to plan ahead).
Start With the CDC's Travel Website
Before we dive into specific countries, here's my first piece of advice: visit the CDC's travel health website (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel). Type in your destination, and you'll get a personalized list of recommended and required vaccines.
"Recommended" means it's a good idea based on where you're going and what you'll be doing. "Required" means you literally won't be allowed entry without proof of vaccination — and yes, border officials do check.
The Vaccines You Might Already Have
Let's start with the easy ones. Most adults in California are already up to date on:
- Routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus, and flu
- COVID-19 (though some countries still have specific requirements)
- Hepatitis B (if you were born after 1991, you probably got this as a kid)
Common Destinations From LAX & What You'll Need
Mexico, Central & South America:
Hepatitis A is usually recommended for anywhere in Latin America where you'll be eating street food or drinking anything that's not bottled. Typhoid is smart if you're going rural or staying for more than a couple weeks.
Yellow fever is required for entry into several South American and African countries — and this is the one you really need to plan for. Only specific clinics can give the yellow fever vaccine, and you need it at least 10 days before travel. We can point you to the nearest authorized clinic if you need this one.
Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, India):
Hepatitis A and typhoid are your baseline. Japanese encephalitis comes up if you're spending extended time in rural areas during transmission season. Rabies vaccination is something to discuss if you'll be around animals or far from medical care — the pre-exposure series makes treatment much simpler if you're bitten.
Africa:
This varies enormously by region. Yellow fever is required for many countries. Meningococcal vaccine is required for anyone visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. Malaria prevention (antimalarial medication, not a vaccine) is essential for sub-Saharan Africa — we can help you figure out which medication makes sense based on your itinerary and any other meds you take.
Europe:
Most of Western Europe doesn't require anything beyond routine vaccines. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if you're hiking in certain forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe during warmer months.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
Here's where people get tripped up: many vaccines need time to work. Hepatitis A needs at least two weeks before you're protected. Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over weeks or months for full protection.
I'd love to say "stop by the day before your flight," but realistically? Start this process 4–6 weeks before departure if you can. Even 2–3 weeks gives us something to work with.
What We Can Do Here at Vine
We stock hepatitis A, typhoid, and other common travel vaccines, and we can administer them on a walk-in basis during our regular hours (Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM). No appointment needed, and we can usually get you in and out in about 10 minutes once we've had a quick consultation about where you're headed.
For vaccines we don't carry in-house — like yellow fever — we'll point you in the right direction and make sure you know what documentation you'll need.
If you're not sure what you need, just give us a call at (323) 957-9446 or stop by the corner of Vine and Fountain. Bring your itinerary, your vaccination records if you have them, and any questions. We'll figure it out together — and hopefully give you one less thing to worry about before your trip.