Even if you don’t have a phobia about needles, it can be no fun having travel vaccinations. But for the older traveller in particular, they can be an essential element in safe travel abroad.
Travel vaccinations normally fall into one of three categories—Required, Recommended and Considered. Each is dependent on the destination and in some cases the time of year. You can find out more at http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. For instance, these popular holiday destinations currently carry the following guidance:
Cuba
Recommended: Tetanus.
Consider: Diphtheria, Hep A, Hep B
Egypt
Recommended: Tetanus, Hep A.
Consider: Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hep B, rabies
India
Recommended: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hep A, Typhoid.
Consider: Hep B, rabies, cholera, TB, Encephalitis
Jamaica
Recommended: Tetanus.
Consider: Diphtheria, Hep A, Hep B
Uganda
Required: Yellow fever.
Recommended: Diphtheria, tetanus, Hep A, Typhoid.
Consider: Hep B, rabies, cholera, TB, meningitis
Saudi Arabia
Requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages
If you’re only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you’re unlikely to need any vaccinations.
In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but not all the infectious diseases found overseas, so when you are travelling abroad you must allow time to consult your GP or a private travel clinic.
Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity, and some involve several doses spread over weeks or months, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
You may be more at risk of contracting some diseases, if for example you are older, in poor health, travelling in rural areas, or you are on long trip rather than a package holiday.
You should ask if your GP practice is signed up to provide free NHS vaccinations for travel, as not all are.
Vaccinations for polio, diphtheria, tetanus and some others are available free on the NHS, while hepatitis B, meningitis, rabies and others will normally be charged for, and yellow fever is available only from designated centres.
The cost of travel vaccines that aren’t available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need, so bear this in mind when budgeting for your trip.
See Also:
Confusion Over Holiday Vaccinations
