Vaccinations

 

If you are travelling abroad, the vaccinations you need will depend on which country you are travelling to. You should make an appointment with your GP, or practice nurse, to discuss where you are travelling to, which vaccinations you will need, when you are travelling (what season), and for how long.

Below are some examples of countries for which you will be required to have vaccinations.

Thailand

If you are travelling to Thailand, you will usually be advised to have vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and hepatitis A. You may also be advised to have immunisations for typhoid, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B, and Japanese B encephalitis.

Brazil

If you are travelling to Brazil, you will usually be advised to have vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, and yellow fever (mainly for Western Amazonian areas and the Iguacu Falls). You may also need to have vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis.

Japan

As well as ensuring that your UK vaccinations and boosters are up to date, if you are travelling to Japan, you may be advised to have vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis and hepatitis B, although they are usually only needed if you are going to be visiting remote areas.

Africa

In some areas of the world, such as Africa, there is a risk of catching malaria. See your GP or pharmacist for advice about malaria tablets.

Caribbean (including the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba)

For many countries in the Caribbean, you will need to have vaccinations against tetanus and hepatitis A. Depending on exactly where you are travelling to, you may also need to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, rabies, diphtheria, typhoid, yellow fever, and tuberculosis.

Plan your vaccinations well in advance

If possible, you should see your GP at least three months before you are due to travel. This is because some jabs need to be given well in advance in order for them to be work properly.

As well as having any new vaccinations, you should make sure your existing vaccinations, such as polio and tetanus, are up to date and, if necessary, have booster jabs.

Useful links:

 

The Fit for Travel website has vaccination details for every country in the world:  http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

 

The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) can help you find your nearest travel clinic: 

http://www.masta-travel-health.com/

 

The National Travel Health Network and Centre can help you find where to get a yellow fever vaccination: http://www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm