Holidays are a great way of taking a well-earned break on your own or with family or friends, to refresh and renew. You may already have your tickets and passport, but have you thought about your health?
As part of your holiday preparation make sure that you check that your family’s vaccinations are up to date. Even popular holiday destinations can leave you with a life-threatening illness.
You may only require a booster but if you check 6-8 weeks before your trip you can make sure that you and your family are covered.
Where can I get vaccinations for free?
In the UK children are vaccinated for free on the NHS for many illnesses. These vaccines cover Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Polio, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Rotavirus, Meningitis B, Pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Meningitis C, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Human papillomavirus and Meningitis ACWY.
Some of these vaccines offer lifelong protection and some require booster jabs. They keep us safe in the UK but other countries may be at risk from further illnesses or infections which you should get protected against if you plan to visit them.
Top holiday destinations that you need vaccinations for:
Turkey has poor sanitation in some areas, so food and water can become contaminated. Make sure you Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. You may also require a rabies jab due to the risk from wild animals.
Tunisia can be a low-cost holiday, but you will need to make sure that you are up do date with Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Philippines is known for its cities and beaches. You will need to be up to date with Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A. You may also require Rabies, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and cholera if you are high risk or visiting specific areas.
Spain does not require any extra vaccinations, just make sure that your tetanus is up to date in case you have any cuts or wounds that could get infected.
Indonesia is a popular destination made of 18110 islands. You will need to be up to date with Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Typhoid. If you are at risk you may also require Rabies, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Cholera vaccines – this depends upon your health and the areas that you are visiting.
Greece does not generally require any further vaccinations so make sure you have your Tetanus up to date.
USA There are no vaccinations required for visitors to the United States, so just make sure you are up to date on your boosters especially Tetanus in case of infection.
Cambodia is full of natural attractions, historical sites and culture. You will need to be up to date with jabs to cover Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid. You may also require Rabies, Hepatitis B, Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis if you are at risk.
UAE is a popular destination for its winter sunshine. Make sure your tetanus is up to date and that you have had the Diphtheria vaccine. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations may also be advised due to poor sanitation in some areas.
Thailand is renowned for its traditional temples and royal palaces. Make sure that you are up to date with your Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. If you are at risk you may also require Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies jabs too.
Sri Lanka with its diverse natural landscapes of highlands, beaches and caves makes it a top destination for travellers. You will need to have had your Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations and boosters. If you are at risk you may also need to have Rabies, Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines.
Morocco can be a quick getaway. Make sure your Tetanus is up to date and that you have had Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations. If you are at risk, Rabies vaccine will also protect you from bites and scratches of wild animals.
Italy is high up on the holiday list with its history, vibrant art and culture. Make sure you are up to date with vaccines and boosters for Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria. You may also require Tick-borne Encephalitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines.
Australia does not generally need any vaccination. Make sure your tetanus booster is up to date and that you protect yourself from mosquito bites, as they can spread dengue fever which causes fever and muscle pain.
Peru is a diverse country with temples, rainforest, mountains, and lowlands. You will need to be up to date with Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus. If you are at risk, you may also require a Rabies, Hepatitis B and Yellow fever vaccination.
South Africa Many countries within South Africa will require Yellow Fever vaccination as they are high risk areas. You will need to make sure that you are up to date with Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus. You may also be required to have Rabies and Hepatitis B vaccines if you are at risk.
New Zealand had an outbreak of measles in January 2020 so all travellers should ensure they are up to date with their routine vaccination, including Measles, Diphtheria and Tetanus. If you are at risk, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are recommended vaccines.
Vietnam isknown for its beaches and temples. Make sure you are up to date with Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations. If you are at risk you will need to consider the Hepatitis B, Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis jabs too.
Mexico is a destination that can be reached directly from the UK. You need to be vaccinated against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Rabies is recommended too if you are at risk.
Japan is a popular travel destination. You will need to be up to date with your Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria vaccinations. If you are high risk you will also need to consider Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
If the vaccine is not free, where can I get vaccinated?
Some vaccinations will need be paid for if are going abroad to certain areas. You will need to book an appointment at a private travel vaccine clinic, where they have trained health advisors who can make sure that you get the protection you require for your trip.
DocHQ have a Vaccine Checker tool where you can add your destination, find out what vaccines you require for your trip and book an appointment online at a vaccine travel clinic near you.
You may also need protection from malaria for some destination and a travel clinic will recommend the right sort of antimalarials to take for your trip.
How much do travel vaccinations cost?
Vaccine costs vary dependent upon their type but are usually charged per dose. Bear in mind that a few vaccines such as Rabies or Cholera require more than one dose. You will need to complete the course for full protection. Some doses combine multiple vaccines. Costs start from around £33 per dose.
With the current Covid-19 global situation, the way we travel may change. It is not unreasonable to think that boarder controls will become more stringent as to who they let in, so making sure you have the right documentation and vaccinations will be essential for your trip.
DocHQ Ltd is a Health Tech company improving choices. We help you connect efficiently to health support and advice whether you are at home, work or travelling. See our website for our services or call us on 0330 088 0645.
