Consumer advice – travel tips – travel news

Travel advice vaccinations: Thinking of a holiday abroad? Then read our latest travel advice article on Vaccinations, some of which are free from your practice nurse or GP..

These can vary across practices, but the free Vaccinations usually include: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Meningitis C, and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio (which are combined in one vaccine).

You should in an ideal world: Plan your travel vaccinations well in advance. If possible, you should see your GP at least three months before you are due to travel, for the latest travel information on vaccinations.

• Its important to note that: – Some jabs need to be given gradually over 3 months before travel, in order for them to work properly. So try not to leave it till the last minute.

For the Caribbean as an example, you should have travel vaccinations against both tetanus and hepatitis A as a minimum.

Below are some are countries, which you will be required to have vaccinations, and or take Malaria medication..

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.

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.

For more on What travel vaccinations do i need? Go to http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx