Why are Vaccinations important?
We use vaccines to build our body's immune system and prevent the invasion of worldwide diseases. The vaccine provides a controlled exposure to the infection, which trains and strengthens the immune system so it can fight the disease quickly and effectively in the future.
Vaccines protect us from dangerous and fatal diseases that are present. They protect children, the elderly and the vulnerable. They help control epidemics and, after clean water, are the second most effective health intervention.
What are the vaccine requirements for traveling to the top 20 vacation destinations?
Vacations are a great way to take a well-deserved break, alone or with family or friends, to refresh and renew. You may already have your ticket and passport, but have you thought about your health?
As part of holiday preparation, be sure to check that your family's vaccinations are up to date. Even popular vacation destinations can leave you with a potentially fatal illness.
You may only need a backup, but if you check in 6 to 8 weeks before your trip, you can be sure you and your family are covered.
Where can I get vaccines for free?
In the UK, children are vaccinated free of charge on the NHS for many diseases. 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 ACWY meningitis.
Some of these vaccines offer lifetime protection and some require booster shots. They keep us safe in the UK, but other countries may be at risk for other illnesses or infections that you should protect yourself from if you plan to visit them.
Top vacation destinations for which you need vaccinations:
Turkey lacks basic sanitation in some areas, so food and water can be contaminated. Make sure you have Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. You may also require a rabies vaccine due to the risk of wild animals.
Tunisia can be a low-cost holiday, but you need to make sure you're up to date on 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 need rabies, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and cholera if you are at high risk or visiting specific areas.
Spain does not require any extra vaccinations, just make sure your tetanus is up to date in case you have cuts or sores that could get infected.
Indonesia is a popular destination comprising 18110 islands. You will need to be up to date with hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and typhoid fever. If you are at risk, you may also need rabies, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Cholera vaccines - this depends on your health and the areas you are visiting.
In general, Greece does not require any further vaccinations, so make sure you have your tetanus up to date.
USA No vaccinations are required for visitors to the United States, so make sure you are up to date with your boosters, especially against tetanus, in case of infection.
Cambodia is full of natural attractions, historical and cultural sites. You will need to be up to date on vaccinations to cover diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You may also need rabies, hepatitis B, cholera and Japanese encephalitis if you are at risk.
The UAE is a popular destination for its winter sun. Make sure your tetanus is up to date and that you have been vaccinated against diphtheria. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines may also be advised due to poor sanitation in some areas.
Thailand is known for its traditional temples and royal palaces. Make sure you're up to date on your diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccines. If you are at risk, you may also need a vaccine against hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies.
Sri Lanka, with its diverse natural landscapes of highlands, beaches and caves, makes it an important destination for travelers. You will need vaccinations and boosters against hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus. If you are at risk, you may also need vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis.
Morocco can be a quick getaway. Make sure your tetanus is up to date and that you have received typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. If you are at risk, the rabies vaccine will also protect you from wild animal bites and scratches.
Italy tops the holiday list with its vibrant history, art and culture. Make sure you are up to date with vaccinations and boosters for polio, tetanus and diphtheria. You may also apply for tick-borne encephalitis, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines.
Australia generally does not need vaccination. Make sure your tetanus booster is up to date and that you protect yourself from mosquito bites, as they can transmit dengue, which causes fever and muscle pain.
Peru is a diverse country with temples, rainforests, mountains and plains. You need to be up to date with typhoid fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, polio and tetanus. If you are at risk, you may also require a vaccination against rabies, hepatitis B and yellow fever.
South Africa Many countries in South Africa will require yellow fever vaccination as they are high risk areas. You will need to make sure you are up to date with hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus. You may also need to get rabies and hepatitis B vaccines if you are at risk.
New Zealand had a measles outbreak in January 2020, so all travelers should ensure they are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including measles, diphtheria and tetanus. If you are at risk, hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended.
Vietnam is known for its beaches and temples. Make sure you are up to date on typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria, polio, and tetanus vaccines. If you are at risk, you should also consider hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccines.
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 also recommended if you are at risk.
Japan is a popular tourist destination. You will need to be up to date on your hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, and diphtheria vaccines. If you are at 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 be vaccinated?
Some vaccinations will have to be paid for if you are going abroad to certain areas. You will need to make an appointment at a private travel vaccination clinic where they have trained health advisors who can ensure you get the protection you need for your trip.
DocHQ has a Vaccine Checker tool where you can add your destination, find out what vaccines you need for your trip and make an online appointment at a vaccine travel clinic near you.
You may also need malaria protection for a destination and a travel clinic will recommend the right type of antimalarials for your trip.
How much do travel vaccines cost?
Vaccine costs vary depending on the type, but are usually charged per dose. Remember that some 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 at around £33 per serving.
With Covid-19's current global situation, the way we travel could change. It's not unreasonable to think that boarding controls will become stricter as to who they allow entry, so making sure you have the correct documentation and vaccinations will be essential for your trip.