If you're traveling abroad, find out what diseases are prevalent where you're going and get the vaccinations.
Some countries won't let you in unless you have proof of certain vaccinations. The most common ones are tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, cholera, smallpox, hepatitis, typhoid and yellow fever.
Your state health department or the Center of Disease Control (877-fyi-trip, 800–458–5231, 800–311–3435, 888–232–3228) should be able to help you with immunization/ vaccination requirements in foreign countries.
Some governments require immunizations to protect their people from visiting foreigners and to protect foreigners from any health risks in their country.
Ask the embassy of the country you're going to if you need special immunizations such as for yellow fever, malaria, or cholera. You might also need a health certificate and possibly an AIDS test.
Health inspections and immunization requirements at international borders come down to two things: