If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Travellers to other countries can often face health issues that they wouldn’t normally experience at home. Travel vaccinations can help to protect you from a range of dangerous and sometimes even life-threatening diseases that are present across the globe, including cholera, hepatitis A and B, meningitis and yellow fever. If you are planning on travelling outside the UK for work or pleasure, there is a possibility that you may need to be vaccinated. Book an appointment today on 01923 821596

WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TRAVEL VACCINATION?

Travel vaccinations help to minimise your chances of becoming ill with serious or even fatal diseases, whilst abroad. Countries such as Saudi Arabia even refuse entry without proof of vaccination, so ensuring you have been treated with the appropriate travel injections and carry the relevant International Certificate of Vaccination can be essential to your holiday plans. If you’re not sure whether you need to be vaccinated, it is always advisable to check before leaving the country. If you intend on only travelling to countries in North America, Northern and Central Europe or Australia, it is likely that you will not need to have any travel vaccines. However, it’s always worth double-checking first. Book in to see one of our travel pharmacists today and we can give you all the information you need to ensure your health is protected whilst on holiday.

Which jabs do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these two websites:

• NHS fitfortravel
• the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)

Some countries require you to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter. For example, Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Many tropical countries in Africa and South America won't accept travellers from an area where there's yellow fever unless they can prove they've been vaccinated against it.

Where do I get my jabs?

The experienced Travel Pharmacists at the Ross Pharmacy Travel Clinic can help to make immunisation against a variety of diseases, easy. Our helpful and friendly team offer specialist guidance and advice on travel vaccinations. Consult one of our experts today and make sure you are travel ready.

Things to consider

There are several things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

• the country or countries you're visiting – some diseases are more common in certain parts of the world and less common in others
• when you're travelling – some diseases are more common at certain times of the year; for example, during the rainy season
• where you're staying – in general, you'll be more at risk of disease in rural areas than in urban areas, and if you're backpacking and staying in hostels or camping, you may be more at risk than if you were on a package holiday and staying in a hotel
• how long you'll be staying – the longer your stay, the greater your risk of being exposed to diseases
• your age and health – some people may be more vulnerable to infection than others, while some vaccinations can't be given to people with certain medical conditions
• what you'll be doing during your stay – for example, whether you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, such as trekking or working in rural areas
• if you're working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases if you're working in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
• if you're working in a medical setting – for example, a doctor or nurse may require additional vaccinations
• if you are in contact with animals – in this case, you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations. If possible, see your travel pharmacist at least eight weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccinations need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some also involve multiple doses spread over several weeks.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to our Pharmacist before having any vaccinations if:

• you're pregnant
• you think you might be pregnant
• you're breastfeeding

In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby. However, your pharmacist will be able to give you further advice about this.

Non-travel vaccines

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it's also a good opportunity to make sure your other vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster jabs if necessary. Your travel pharmacist can check your existing vaccination records. People in certain risk groups may be offered extra vaccines. These include vaccinations against diseases such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), flu and chickenpox.