Travel Vaccinations
Travel opens us up to different cultures, experiences, and, unfortunately, various diseases not common in the UK. Therefore, travel vaccinations are an essential part of your pre-travel checklist.
Before travelling abroad, we recommended to start the vaccination process 6-8 weeks before departure. Some travel vaccines, like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, can protect within two weeks. However, others, like Hepatitis B or Rabies, require multiple doses spread over a month.
Many countries have specific entry requirements regarding vaccinations. For example, proof of yellow fever vaccination is necessary to enter several African and South American countries. Meningitis vaccination is obligatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Mecca. It is, therefore, crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or travel health clinic to determine which vaccines are needed for your destination.
Travel advice for destination
1. India:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
Required: Polio Certificate for long-stay travellers.
2. Thailand:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
3. South Africa:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies
4. Brazil:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever (depends on the area of travel within Brazil)
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies
5. China:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
6. Kenya:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Rabies
7. Egypt:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies
8. Australia:
Recommended: Routine vaccinations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella (Chickenpox), Polio, and yearly Flu shot)
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis (only if planning to spend a month or more in rural areas)
9. United States:
Recommended: Routine vaccinations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella (Chickenpox), Polio, and yearly Flu shot)
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies
10. Mexico:
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Sometimes Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Please remember that these are general guidelines, and specific recommendations may vary depending on an individual’s health, the areas you plan to visit within a country, and current disease outbreaks.
Always contact us for personalised advice.
Vaccinations have proven their worth, saving millions of lives each year globally. So, remember that every vaccination is a step towards a healthier future, whether you’re planning a family holiday, preparing for the new school year, or keeping up-to-date with your child’s vaccination schedule.
Vaccines are readily available here in the clinic. Before booking your appointment, you can call ahead so we can ensure we order any vaccines we do not hold in stock.
Alternatively, you can email: nurselare@drwaynecottrell.com for any vaccine enquiries and to check stock and suitability of vaccination.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Influenza, or ‘the flu’, is not just a common cold. It is a severe viral infection that tends to sweep the country during the colder months, hitting its peak between December and February.
The flu can lead to severe complications, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The flu virus mutates and changes yearly, making the annual flu jab a necessary routine. The World Health Organisation studies the circulating strains and updates the flu vaccine to match the anticipated predominant strains each year.
Getting the flu vaccine not only protects you from a potentially severe illness but also aids in reducing the overall strain on health services during the winter months.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters: Our Best Defence
COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy and are our best defence against the disease. They are proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death.
Even if you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, the annual flu vaccine is still essential as it protects against different viruses.
Combined Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
In the face of both flu and COVID-19, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. It is safe to have both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which can even be given on the same day.
Please remember to pre-book your boosters when you visit us in the clinic, so we can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and our communities throughout the seasons.