If you’re travelling to far-flung exotic places, there’s a chance you may need to be vaccinated before you travel. Your GP can advise which vaccines you will need before you go, and you’ll need to see them around six to eight weeks before you depart. However, don’t avoid visiting your doctor if there is less time until your holiday, as you may still be able to get vaccinated at a travel clinic or at the surgery itself. If you’re travelling to the United States, Western Europe, or most of New Zealand and Australia, you probably won’t need vaccinations. However, you should ensure that your booster immunisations for tetanus, diphtheria and polio are up to date.
Cholera is an infection commonly spread in places such as Central America, Peru, Africa and Asia. It’s an infection of the small bowel, which is spread through water contaminated by infected faeces. A cholera vaccine is vital if you’re travelling to places which have a cholera epidemic – this is given orally and comes in sachets which dissolve in water. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for an hour before taking the vaccine, and you’ll need two doses between one and six weeks apart. This vaccination doesn’t provide lifelong immunity, but you’ll only need a booster to keep yourself protected.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver and is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus – generally, people become infected by eating or drinking food or water which is contaminated. The Middle East, Africa, and southern or eastern Europe are places with a high risk of this virus, so if you’re travelling to these areas, you should make sure you get vaccinated. This vaccination consists of two injections – the second is a booster dose given around six to twelve months after the first. Likewise, hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by an infection with the virus – this is spread by having contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluid, such as vaginal fluid. This is most commonly spread through unsafe sex, using contaminated needles, or contact sports in high risk areas, if you’re doing relief work. There are several immunisation schedules, but most often it involves three doses – after the first, you will require a second a month afterwards, and then a third five months after that.
Rabies is a viral infection that’s spread from animals to people, and is common in developing countries – in particular, Africa, South America and Asia. If you need this vaccination, you’ll need to take three injections – the second will be a week after the first, then the third will be after a further three weeks. If you’re short on time before you travel, you may have to have the third at two weeks after the second dose.
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio is generally given in childhood in the UK, but the diseases are common in Asia, Africa and South America. You may need a booster if you’ve not had your vaccination for more than 10 years and are travelling to an area which has a high risk rate. You should book a visit to your GP as part of your travel plans to ensure you have time to book in any vaccinations you may need – you should plan this at least six weeks before you travel. As previously mentioned, you should still book an appointment even if there is less than six weeks, as you may still be able to get a vaccine. They will be able to advise of safe practices to reduce your risk of developing these diseases.
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