Are you planning to get away during the coming school holidays? Have you thought about whether you’ll need any travel injections or medications?
Not all countries require vaccinations, but many do, including popular holiday destinations such as Bali and Thailand.
Travel injections may help you avoid contracting certain diseases while you travel. These diseases include typhoid, yellow fever, malaria and more. Depending on where you want to go, you may encounter diseases not common in Australia such as hepatitis, measles and polio too.
Planning an overseas trip is exciting, and we often forget the unglamorous side of holiday preparation — our health. However, it pays off to include scheduling an appointment with your doctor, preferably at least six weeks before departure, to ensure that you are protected from harmful diseases.
Sometimes, we let a fear of needles or a lack of time prevent us from seeking travel injections, but remember:
Ending up sick overseas not only leads to an unenjoyable trip but can also result in costly medical fees.
Some diseases that are preventable through vaccination or medicine (such as yellow fever) are not curable.
The truth is, getting vaccinated will help keep you healthy while you enjoy your trip. It also ensures that you don’t return with any serious disease that can affect your family, friends and even community.
Some countries require that travellers take vaccinations for polio and yellow fever. And if you’re travelling to remote regions, you must take more injections as a defence against diseases you may encounter in such places.
If you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have some chronic health conditions, you may need to take additional vaccines.
Again, it is vital to keep up to date with routine vaccinations. Even though diseases like measles are not common in the United States and Europe, they are quite common in other regions across the world. So, before travelling, ensure you take all necessary vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks before leaving.
Some countries require proof of vaccination for yellow fever if you’ve recently visited an at-risk country. Failing to get your vaccination could mean a hold-up or being denied entry when you arrive at the new country.
If you'd like to visit us at our Travel Clinic, please call 9741 1200 or book an appointment online.
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