All you need to know about travel vaccinations

Here in the UK a comprehensive vaccination programme helps protect us against a number of diseases throughout our lives. However, for those who venture onto foreign shores where a wide range of infectious diseases are found, seeking out the appropriate vaccinations before travel is very important.

As a holidaymaker the region you are visiting will dictate the type of vaccinations you will require. Although some holiday bugs may result in little more than a few days with a poorly tummy, the reality is there are a lot of serious illnesses out there which can be contracted through the food you eat, the water you drink, insect bites, or simply by coming into contact with individuals who are already infected, and these are potentially fatal diseases. Many of the immunisations you may require will need to be implemented well in advance of your travel, so if you are heading overseas be sure to seek advice early to find out the vaccinations you will require. Some vaccinations are available through the NHS, however many do need to be paid for and can be obtained at your local chemists, for example in many cases it is possible to receive your Travel Vaccinations at Lloyds Pharmacy.

To find out which vaccines you are likely to require, you should consult the NHS Fit for Travel site, which lists the common and rarer diseases you are potentially at risk of contracting by region, along with the vaccination required to protect you against them. Some of the diseases most commonly immunised against by travellers are Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis A&C, Typhoid, Japanese B Encephalitis, Yellow Fever and Malaria.

Some of these immunisations are given by injection or combined injection, with those such as Malaria available in tablet form. While some vaccinations will protect you for life, many will require top-ups after two to three years and some will even require you to carry on treatment even after you have returned from your destination - as is the case is Malaria. In order to maintain maximum protection against illness it is therefore important to keep an accurate record of the treatments you have received and to always complete the full course to ensure effectiveness.