|
Missionaries are not tourists, and they often serve in remote or rural areas in close contact with local residents for extended periods of time. Certain immunization requirements for missionary service may be more stringent than those normally recommended for international travel. If you have questions, contact your missionary representative or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers' Health website for more information.
Be aware that some countries require that you receive certain immunizations before entering the country. Some immunizations require multiple doses or a series of vaccinations over a course of several months to provide maximum protection. You should allow sufficient time to complete the required series
of immunizations before leaving for your mission.
Immunizations Required For All Missionaries Before Entering the Missionary Training Center
Required Immunizations
Recommended Immunizations
Immunizations Required For All Missionaries Before Entering an Missionary Training Center (MTC)
Print Immunization Guidelines for LDS Missionaries, April 2011
ALL Countries: Each prospective missionary should have completed, if possible, the following basic immunizations before entering an MTC. Vaccines must be approved by the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices.
-
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis series in childhood; Tdap or Td booster doses within five years.
-
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): MMR is not required for those born before 1957.
-
Hepatitis A and B: Those from developing countries may not need Hepatitis A vaccine.
- Influenza: Missionaries should be vaccinated to prevent influenza epidemics in MTC dormitories. This vaccine is best given 1-2 weeks before entering the MTC during September through March in the northern hemisphere, and during March through August in the southern hemisphere.
Should these basic immunizations not be available in a missionary’s home country, they will be given during the MTC training, for which service an appropriate fee may be charged. Immunizations may be obtained from your private physician or your local health department. Exceptions to these requirements may be allowed for valid medical reasons, but may result in a change of assignment. Depending on your destination and/or risk factors, you will be advised if other vaccinations are required.
For more information, contact the Missionary Training Center at 801-378-3769.
Required Immunizations
The only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj. For information on the specific countries that require malaria prevention, yellow fever, meningococcal or other vaccines, click on page 2 below or visit the Traveler's Health website.
Recommended Immunizations
These immunizations are recommended for missionaries, but not required:
- Pneumonia: Senior missionaries over age 65 or those with heart or lung disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or other immune challenged conditions should receive this vaccine.
- Meningitis: All young adult missionaries shouldl receive meningococcal meningitis vaccine. In some areas this vaccine is required – see the following table on page 2. This vaccine is not approved for those over age 65 years.
- Chickenpox: If a missionary has no history of the disease or has not received the vaccine, a total of two doses, each one month apart, is advised.
Page 1 | 2
Back to Top
Home | Public
Information | Provider
Information | Events Calendar
| Newsletter | Contact
| Sitemap |
Help | Disclaimer
| Privacy
Policy
© Copyright 2001 Immunization Program Utah Department of Health
All rights reserved
 |
