Dreaming of that long-overdue getaway?
You might be concerned with what vaccinations you may need before traveling to ensure a safe and healthy vacation.
No need to worry—this guide will provide all the essential information you need about vaccinations before your trip.
Why Travel Vaccinations are Important?
Vaccines are treatments that protect you from diseases. They help your body recognise and fight off harmful germs, like bacteria or viruses, without making you sick. This way, if you’re exposed to the disease later, your body can defend itself quickly. When you receive a vaccine, your immune system activates to build protection. Vaccines are important for preventing serious illnesses and keeping people healthy.
When you receive a vaccine, your immune system activates to build protection. Today, vaccines are available to prevent over 20 life-threatening diseases, allowing people of all ages to enjoy longer and healthier lives.
Factors that influence the need for vaccinations
Not all travel destinations require particular vaccinations, but safeguarding your health should always come first. The vaccines you may need will depend on several factors, including:
- Your age.
- Your health condition and medical background.
- Your destination.
- The nature of your trip
Essential Vaccinations to consider before travelling
According to NHS, the following vaccinations are important to consider before travelling out of the UK
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Although the disease is usually mild, it can become more severe with age. It is commonly spread through consuming food or water contaminated with human waste or through direct contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). New cases often present with flu-like symptoms. Although the infection usually clears up within a few months, some people may develop chronic Hepatitis B.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These spores are commonly found in the environment, including in soil, ash, animal and human faeces, and on surfaces like skin and rusty items such as nails, needles, and barbed wire.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through consuming contaminated food or water. Once ingested, the *Salmonella Typhi* bacteria multiply and enter the bloodstream, leading to the spread of the infection.
Rabies
Rabies is a severe viral disease that impacts the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Vaccination is crucial to prevent the potentially fatal effects of the infection.
Tick borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread by ticks, affecting the central nervous system and potentially causing severe brain inflammation. It is prevalent in some parts of Europe and Asia. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like signs to serious neurological issues. Vaccination is recommended for those at risk, particularly in areas where TBE is common.
Popular Destinations with Essential Vaccines
The United Nations World Tourism Organization compiles the World Tourism rankings, listing the most popular travel destinations and according to the information taken from fit for travel, suggested vaccines are mentioned after the countries.
- France: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B; Tick-borne Encephalitis & Tetanus
- Spain: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B & Tetanus
- United States: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies & Tetanus.
- Italy: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus & Tick-borne Encephalitis
- Turkey: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies & Tetanus
- Mexico: Vaccines required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus & Typhoid.
It is to remind that all of the countries mentioned above do not require any Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Key Health Considerations for International Travel
When planning your travel vaccinations, it’s important to take several factors into account:
- Age and Health: Your age and overall health can affect your susceptibility to infections. Certain vaccines may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions.
- Aid Work: If you are working in areas like refugee camps or disaster zones, you might be exposed to a higher risk of diseases.
- Medical Settings: Healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses may need additional vaccinations due to their exposure to various pathogens.
- Animal Contact: If you are likely to interact with animals, be aware of the increased risk of diseases like rabies.
Ensure you allow ample time for vaccines to take effect, as it can take 4-6 weeks for full protection, and some vaccines require multiple doses. It is crucial to ensure that you are current with routine vaccinations provided by the NHS.
Side Effects of Travel Vaccinations
Before giving the vaccinations, keep in mind that they may cause side effects, which is a normal occurrence.
Here are some common side effects associated with travel vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A: Mild fever, headache, fatigue, and soreness or swelling at the injection site. Some people may experience nausea or digestive issues.
- Hepatitis B: Tenderness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and occasionally nausea. Rarely, some may experience joint pain or a rash.
- Tetanus: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. Some individuals may experience fatigue or a headache.
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis: Local reactions such as redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and headache. In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur.
- Rabies: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and headache. Some individuals may experience nausea or muscle aches.
Where can you get Travel Vaccines in the UK?
In the UK, you can book travel vaccines online from several travel vaccination clinics. Our Leeds Travel Clinic offers a range of travel vaccinations and allows you to book appointments through the website.
You can easily obtain the vaccines you need with just a single click. Take action now and get yours today!
FAQS
In the UK, you can get travel vaccinations at pharmacy chains like The Care Pharmacy Travel Clinic. We offer travel vaccinations in Leeds and Bradford where you can easily book an online appointment.
At Leeds Travel Clinic, our pharmacists are expertly trained to provide a wide range of travel vaccinations and prescribe antimalarial medications. We also offer comprehensive and current health advice to ensure you are well-informed about the risks before you travel.
As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travellers to the United States are no longer required to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine before boarding a flight to the US or entering through a land or ferry port of entry.
According to the NHS, you should receive the typhoid vaccine at least one month before travelling. However, it can be administered closer to your travel date if needed. If you remain at risk of infection, booster shots are recommended every three years. For more information on the typhoid vaccine, click here.
According to the NHS, the duration of protection provided by the vaccines is as follows:
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A vaccination is typically administered as a single initial injection, followed by a second dose 6 to 12 months later. Two doses should provide protection for at least 25 years.
Hepatitis B:
The hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a series of 3 injections. Depending on your need for rapid protection, these doses may be spaced from 3 weeks to 6 months apart. The hepatitis B vaccine offers protection for a minimum of 20 years and likely provides lifelong immunity.
Tetanus:
Tetanus booster doses are recommended if:
You’re travelling to areas with limited medical access and your last dose was over 10 years ago.
You’ve not received two booster doses.
Typhoid
The typhoid vaccine should ideally be administered at least 1 month before travel, though it can be given closer to your travel date if necessary. Booster shots are recommended every 3 years if you remain at risk of infection.
Rabies
The rabies vaccination involves a series of 3 injections, typically given over 28 days before travel. The duration of protection can differ, but it typically lasts for at least one to two years.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
The TBE vaccination requires a series of 3 injections for full protection. The second dose is given 1 to 3 months after the first and provides immunity for about a year. A third dose, administered 5 to 12 months after the second, extends immunity for up to 3 years.
If you’re travelling to Asia, especially for an extended stay, getting vaccinated is essential to stay healthy and safe.
Ask your pharmacist or GP for a consultation for required vaccinations. For more information, you can head over to Leeds Travel Clinic.
The following NHS travel vaccinations are available for free:
Polio (administered as part of a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio injection)
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Cholera
These vaccines are provided at no cost because they protect against diseases considered to pose the highest risk to public health if introduced into the country. Other travel vaccines are not free and you may have to get it from a pharmacy.
