When you’re getting ready to travel, it’s important not to forget to check in with your local travel clinic about what vaccinations you might need ahead of your trip.
It’s not possible to give you a definitive answer to which vaccines you’ll need because that will not only depend on the country (or countries) you’re planning to visit, but also which regions of those countries you’re going to and what activities you’re participating in while you’re there.
As a simple example, you likely won’t need anti-malarials if you’re travelling to Bali in Indonesia for your getaway. But if you’re heading to one of Indonesia’s more remote islands, like West Papua, anti-malarials are recommended because the risk of contracting malaria is much higher, especially if you’ll be spending time in the rainforest.
This is why it’s so important to book an appointment with a travel clinic once you know your holiday plans, because then you can find out exactly what vaccinations or medication like anti-malarials you need for your trip.
That said, we thought we’d give you a rundown of some of the most common travel vaccinations available so that you can get an idea of what might be required. This is no substitute for targeted advice though!
Typhoid vaccine
Typhoid is a nasty illness that is caused by consuming food or drink that has been contaminated with typhoid bacteria from an infected person. It’s important to note that having the vaccination won’t protect you completely from contracting typhoid, but it will give you some protection.
The best way to avoid contracting typhoid is to practice good hand hygiene while you’re away, such as by using hand sanitiser and washing your hands before you eat or drink, as well as being very careful about the water you drink.
Although typhoid can be found all over the world, cases are most common in Asia, particularly Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The typhoid vaccination usually provides protection for three years.
Tetanus vaccine
Most of us will have had tetanus vaccines already as part of our normal vaccination schedule, but it’s important to ensure that you are up to date with this vaccine before travelling. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that’s caused when the bacteria gets into a wound or sore.
It’s particularly important to ensure you’re up to date with your tetanus shots if you’ll be visiting somewhere remote without easy access to medical care.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A causes inflammation of the liver and the symptoms typically get worse the older you are.
It is most commonly caught by consuming food or drink that is contaminated with the virus, so as with typhoid practising good food and drink hygiene is essential to prevent getting ill. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically administered across two to three doses, spread out over up to a year.
The good news is that once you’ve had your hepatitis A vaccination, you are protected for life.
Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis B also causes liver inflammation. However, hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids and blood. One of the best ways to lower your risk of contracting hepatitis B is to avoid unprotected sex and to stay away from tattoo or piercing parlours where you’re unsure of the sterility of the equipment.
The vaccination for hepatitis B can be administered in a combined vaccine that also covers you for hepatitis A. When you speak to the nurse at the travel clinic, they will be able to advise on the most appropriate option based on your needs.
Diphtheria
This is another vaccine that is part of the UK’s routine vaccination schedule, which means you may well already be covered. However, it’s always best to check that your vaccinations are still up to date, as you may need a booster.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be spread through close contact with someone who has the illness. It can cause a high temperature, swollen glands in the neck, a sore throat and lead to difficulties with breathing and swallowing.
The best way to prevent contracting diphtheria is to ensure you are vaccinated against the illness.
Other travel vaccines that might be recommended include yellow fever, rabies and Japanese encephalitis. The best way to ensure you’re covered is to speak to a practitioner at your local travel clinic as soon as possible, so that you allow enough time for a course of vaccinations if that’s required.
Some of these vaccinations are available on the NHS, so it’s worth planning in advance so that you can spread them out and get them from the most appropriate sources.