Hello everyone! I'm currently a junior exploring my options for life after high school. Military service is one of those options, and I'm wondering what kind of vaccinations (if any) are required before getting deployed? Just want to know what I'm getting into if I decide to enlist.
If you decide to join the military, it's worth noting up front that health and readiness are a priority, so vaccinations are required. All branches of the military have immunization requirements that must be met before a recruit can start basic training. Some of the core vaccinations include those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
In addition, the branches of the military can and do require additional vaccinations based on the specific location to which you would be deployed. For instance, if the deployment is to a tropical region, vaccinations for diseases like typhoid, yellow fever, or malaria might be required. This is to protect military personnel from diseases prevalent in those regions that may be unusual in the United States.
While this might sound like a lot, remember that this is done in your best interest to protect your health during your service. It's also common that you will be updated on your vaccinations during your annual physical health assessment.
In general, it's best to reach out directly to a recruiter or your healthcare provider in the military (if you're already in service) to get the most current and specific information, as it can vary depending on your assignment and any recent disease outbreaks in a particular region.
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