Getting travel vaccinations and immunizations may not be the most exciting part when you are planning your trip. However, when traveling abroad, you require vaccinations to protect yourself against infectious diseases. The type of vaccines you get depends on where and when you will be traveling abroad.
What Is Vaccination?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to a person so that their immune system can protect them against diseases.
Some countries require tourists to be vaccinated against specific diseases. Such countries will require you to have proof of vaccination(s), and they may refuse you entry to their border if you are not vaccinated.
What Diseases Should You Be Vaccinated Against?
Health risks within a country vary from time to time and from one region to another. Before getting an immunisation, your doctor will ask you about your age, place of birth, previous vaccinations, medical history, your destination, and length of stay of your visit. Depending on your travel destination, you can be given either of these vaccines:
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Cholera
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Rabies
- Meningococcal disease
- Typhoid
- Malaria
- Measles and
- Chickenpox
You may need other vaccines that are not on this list; that's why it is essential to visit a doctor before traveling abroad.
What Are the Possible Risks and Side Effects of Vaccines?
All medicines have potential side effects. However, vaccines' side effects are mild, and the symptoms usually disappear within a few days. Some common side effects that you are likely to experience are:
- Tiredness, headache, and nausea
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Tenderness and pain at the site of your injection
When Should You Visit A Travel Vaccination Clinic?
You are recommended to visit a travel vaccination clinic at least 6-8 weeks before traveling. This will give your immune system enough time to respond to the vaccinations, however, if you can not afford to give this much time in advance, we suggest you still get the injection as some protection is better than no protection.
