Why should i have travel vaccination?
Each year over 33 million visits are made to overseas countries - for holidays, business trips, visiting relatives etc. In many countries in Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Central and South American, Indian sub-continets and even Eastern Europe you may be at risk from serious and life-threatening diseaes.
These may be tropical diesases ( e.g. Malaria or yellow fever), or diseases associated with poor hygiene standards (e.g.hepatitis A or typhoid) In some coutries, proof of vaccination against certin dieases is required for entry ( e.g. meningococcus or yellow fever).
These dieases could ruin your trip, and could lead to prolonged illness or even death.
What do i have to do?
As soon as you start to plan a trip, ask which vacines may be required. You will need to talk to your doctor or pratice nurse in good time - if you need several vaccines, you may need to allow up to 8 weeks for a full vaccination schedule.
If you are travelling at short notice, they may be able to provide you with some emergency cover.
What details does my doctor/nurse require?
In order to receive the best advice, you will need to provide details of all countries to be visited ( including stop overs), the type of locations of accommadation ( hotel, relatives, camping, coastal or inland areas) and the season of travel.
Do travel vaccinations have to involve injections?
Most vaccines require one or more doses by injection. Some dieases can be covered by combined vaccnies to reduse the number of doses ( e.g. hepatitis A and B). A few vaccines can be given by mouth ( e.g. polio and typhoid)
How long does the portection last?
Depending on the vaccine, they generally give protection for between 1 and 10 years. boosters can often be given to prolong the cover for frequent travellers. Your doctor or nurse will give you further details on the cover period.
What other medicines should i take?
If your visiting a tropical country, it is important to ask for advise on the prevention of malria. You will need to take anit-malarial drugs before, during and after your stay.
If you are on any regular medication, ensure that you have sufficient with you to last for the duration of your stay. Do not pack medicines in your suitcases in case they are lost.
