This really is a complete no-brainer. The answer is that of course you should get every inoculation that your doctor suggests. Check the requirements for each country as to what inoculations/vaccinations are needed using a service like net doctor, then speak to your local doctor or travel clinic to organise them. Be sure to leave enough time before you travel for the necessary vaccinations to become effective.
Note that certain countries have very strict rules about letting you enter their territory unless you have had certain vaccinations. An example of this is Brazil: if you have been to Bolivia (or any other country that carries a risk of exposure to Yellow Fever) within the last 6 months they will insist that show them a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Without it they will not let you enter (though you can pay for the injection at the border in some circumstances).
The vaccinations/inoculations that you should ensure are up to date as a bare minimum are:
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Polio
You should consult your doctor over this, but we would also recommend that the following inoculations are up to date when you travel to areas in Asia, Central and South America and Africa:
- Hepatitis B
- Diptheria
- Tuberculosis
A couple of other inoculations that you will find are recommended if you are planning to be away for a long time and travel to ‘risk’ areas (see net doctor for further details and consult with you doctor) are:
- Japanese B encephalitis
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever
Consult with your doctor or with a specialist travel clinic as to whether these will be necessary. Though they can be expensive we would thoroughly recommend getting them done as the consequences of becoming ill with any of these diseases are grave and potentially fatal. We think that the injections are worth the money if only to give you complete peace of mind. We still wouldn’t recommend that you go wrestling any wild, rabid dogs even if you have had the injection!
 |
| Tropical islands: lots of fun but don't neglect to get your jabs - you could be miles from a proper hospital if you get sick |
Malaria is another concern for travellers visiting infected areas. If you are planning on visiting an area that is a malarial hotspot then please consult your doctor at home at least two months before you plan to travel, as some malarial medicines should be taken a good time prior to arrival in the country with the malarial threat. The Malaria Hotspots website is a very useful guide.
Be sure to carry a written record of your vaccinations and inoculations with you on your trip as you may need it as evidence of your treatment. It is especially important that you bring your Yellow Fever certificate with you if you have had the inoculation in order to visit a particular country.
funtotravel.info offers help to anyone looking to travel the world. Going on a Gap Year and not sure where to go or how to start planning? Want to go travelling but in need of some inspiration and tips? Use our advise me page for FREE, ON-DEMAND, UNBIASED travel advice written JUST FOR YOU!
funtotravel.info also offers informative and practical country profiles, real-time traveller reviews for destinations around the world, as well as social networking for backpackers, connecting you on the road like never before. What are you waiting for? Sign up today! For more information on what we offer and who we are, please check out our FAQ section.
Click HERE for free, personalised advice on your trip or holiday.
No comments:
Post a Comment