Essential Travel Vaccines for Winter Holidays: Guidance from Your Local Pharmacies
As winter approaches, many UK residents are planning their trips abroad to escape the cold or visit family overseas - and who can blame them!
Before embarking on your travels, it's crucial to ensure you're up to date with essential vaccinations, especially if your destination is known for certain infectious diseases. At DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy, we offer a range of travel vaccines tailored to your needs. Here we provide essential information on travel vaccines recommended for various destinations and help you stay protected while exploring new countries.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
Hepatitis A is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, such as parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. It's a viral infection that affects the liver and is primarily spread through contaminated food or water. The symptoms include fatigue, nausea, fever, and jaundice.
Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, making unprotected sexual contact or exposure to contaminated medical equipment key risk factors. It is common in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, dark urine, and liver failure in severe cases.
These vaccines are recommended for most travellers heading to these high-risk areas. Vaccination is particularly crucial for those with chronic liver disease or anyone who plans to engage in activities that could increase the risk of exposure, such as working in healthcare settings.
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, is common in regions with unsafe water supplies or poor hygiene practices, such as parts of South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is spread through contaminated food and water, and symptoms include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and constipation.
If you're planning a trip to these regions, getting vaccinated against typhoid is highly advisable. Individuals with weak immune systems or those visiting rural areas are particularly at risk.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly in certain parts of Africa and South America. Symptoms can range from mild (fever, muscle pain, nausea) to severe (organ failure, bleeding). Some countries even require proof of yellow fever vaccination before entry, so make sure to check the travel regulations for your destination.
At DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy, we offer yellow fever vaccinations to help you meet entry requirements and stay safe during your trip.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
These infections are not travel-specific but are vital for general health. Tetanus can result from cuts or wounds exposed to soil or dust. Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory issues. The Tdap booster is recommended for travellers if it’s been more than 10 years since their last dose, especially when traveling to areas with poor healthcare access.
Rabies Vaccine
If you’re traveling to areas where rabies is common—such as parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America—you should consider getting the rabies vaccine, especially if you'll be interacting with animals. Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through animal bites, and without immediate medical attention, it can be fatal.
This vaccine is highly recommended for adventurous travellers who might be hiking, camping, or engaging in outdoor activities.
Meningococcal Vaccine
The meningococcal vaccine is essential for anyone traveling to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the dry season when meningococcal disease is more common. The disease can cause severe bacterial infections leading to brain damage or death if left untreated. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Vaccination is highly recommended, especially for those participating in large gatherings like pilgrimages (e.g., Hajj in Saudi Arabia).
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found in rural areas of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of India and China. It's a rare but severe disease, causing inflammation of the brain and potentially leading to long-term neurological damage. Travellers who will spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in rural areas or near rice fields, should consider this vaccine.
Plan Ahead with Travel Vaccines at DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy
Before you set off on your winter travels, visit DMB Chemist or Tower Pharmacy—for expert advice and necessary vaccinations. It’s essential to plan ahead, as some vaccines require multiple doses over a period of time. Protect yourself and your loved ones, and enjoy a worry-free holiday abroad!