What Vaccinations Do I Need for My Trip?

What Vaccinations Do I Need for My Trip?

The vaccinations you need for your trip depend on your destination, stay length, age, and medical history. Some destinations have specific vaccination requirements, so it’s essential to check with your doctor or a travel health clinic well before your trip.

Your doctor or travel health clinic will have a unique tool, a computer program, that calculates and produces a report about what vaccines you need. This report will take into account your destination, the length of your stay, your age, and your medical history.

Some of the most common travel vaccinations include:

• • Hepatitis A: This vaccine protects against a liver infection that can be spread through contaminated food and water.

• • Hepatitis B: This vaccine protects against a liver infection that can be spread through blood and body fluids.

• • Typhoid: This vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can be spread through contaminated food and water.

• • Yellow fever: This vaccine is required for travel to certain countries in Africa and South America. Doctors issue a Certificate for Yellow Fever vaccination.

• • Rabies: This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that can be spread through the bite of an infected animal.

In addition to these common vaccines, you may also need other vaccinations depending on your destination and activities. For example, if you travel to a remote area, you may need preventative medications against malaria. If you plan hiking or camping, you may need a vaccination against tetanus.

It’s essential to get vaccinated well in advance of your trip so that your body has time to develop immunity. You should also bring your vaccination records with you on your trip.

By vaccinating, you can help protect yourself from travel-related severe illnesses and enjoy your trip safely and healthfully.

Here are some additional tips for staying healthy while travelling:

• • Drink bottled water.

• • Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.

• • Wash your hands often.

• • Use insect repellent.

• • Avoid contact with animals.

Following these tips can help prevent yourself from getting sick while travelling. Book an appointment with your GP for travel advice and vaccination.