A GP is warning travellers not to overlook a crucial step before going abroad this summer, as doing so could lead to lengthy hospital stays and huge medical expenses.
1 in 10 Brits forget to check which vaccines they need before travelling. But skipping holiday vaccinations can put you at risk of serious diseases, result in denial of entry to your destination, and invalidate travel insurance claims.
Ideally, travellers should check their vaccination needs six to eight weeks before departure, but leaving it late does not mean they have missed their chance. Even a last-minute appointment may still provide useful protection, antimalarial advice and guidance on staying healthy while abroad.
That’s why Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is sharing the ultimate holiday vaccination guide on staying safe abroad this summer to ensure you don’t get caught out by unclear vaccination policies.
Check routine vaccinations
“Understandably, many people focus on the vaccines linked to their destination and forget to check whether their routine UK vaccinations are still up to date. Before looking at country-specific advice, it’s worth making sure you’re covered for things like MMR, diphtheria, tetanus and polio, including any boosters you may need. These illnesses may feel less relevant because they aren’t as common in the UK, but they can still pose a risk when travelling.”
Know your requirements
“Certain countries require you to be vaccinated against specific infectious diseases to enter. These requirements may differ depending on your destination, the length of your stay, and even whether you’ve recently travelled through another country. If you don’t get the necessary vaccines, you risk being denied entry, which can derail any holiday plans.
“Not to mention, if you fail to get mandatory vaccines and do become ill abroad, many travel insurance providers will invalidate your claim for a breach of the ‘reasonable precautions’ clause found in most agreements.
“Even if vaccinations aren’t mandatory where you’re travelling, many are still strongly recommended to protect you against diseases that are uncommon in the UK but more widespread overseas.”
Country-specific guidance
- Europe – Routine UK vaccinations are generally the starting point. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination may be advised for hiking, camping or other outdoor activities in affected parts of central, northern and eastern Europe, including areas of Germany. Rabies or hepatitis A vaccination may be considered for selected destinations, activities or longer trips
- Asia and the Middle East – Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly considered for many destinations. Depending on the country and itinerary, travellers may also be advised to have hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis or cholera vaccines, as well as antimalarial tablets. India, for example, may require proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers arriving from affected countries. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims must carry proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination
- Africa – Hepatitis A and typhoid are usually considered, while yellow fever, rabies, meningococcal, cholera or polio vaccination may be advised depending on the country and trip. Antimalarial tablets are recommended for many high-risk areas. In Kenya, for example, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many itineraries, and malaria risk is high outside Nairobi and high-altitude areas
- The Americas and Caribbean – For the USA and Canada, routine vaccinations are normally the main consideration, with additional vaccines advised for certain activities or animal exposure. Travellers to Central and South America or the Caribbean may also need hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies or cholera vaccination. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for parts of countries, including Brazil and Panama, while malaria advice varies considerably by location
- Oceania and the Pacific – Routine vaccinations remain the starting point. Additional vaccines may be recommended for individual Pacific destinations. Japanese encephalitis vaccination may be considered for certain rural or outdoor trips in Australia and Papua New Guinea, while malaria prevention is advised for relevant areas of Papua New Guinea. Yellow fever certificates may also be required depending on where a traveller has recently visited or transited
Be proactive
“Booking your appointment in the right time frame is really crucial. So, always double-check how early you have to get your vaccinations for your specific destination. In general, it’s a good idea to allow 6 to 8 weeks to give your immune system time to build antibodies and leave enough time for multi-dose vaccine courses if needed.
“Leaving it until the final few weeks before departure could mean you don’t have enough time to complete the required vaccinations, leaving you less protected while travelling.”
Budget for the cost
“It’s wise to work the cost of your vaccines into your holiday budget. After all, your health should always be your top priority. While holidays can be pretty expensive, especially right now when everything feels like it’s skyrocketing in price, planning for these costs early can help you avoid unexpected expenses closer to your departure. It also means you’re not tempted to skip important vaccinations to save money.”
Vaccine availability
“Some vaccines are free on the NHS; some, like rabies and yellow fever, need to be paid for. Availability can vary depending on where you live and the type of vaccine you need, so it’s worth checking with your GP surgery or clinic well in advance.
“If you’re short on time, going private may be a good idea to ensure you don’t miss your holiday plans, as many private clinics have no waiting lists, which can be particularly useful during the busy summer travel season.”
Don’t forget the rest of your travel health
“Vaccines are important, but they are not the only thing to think about before you travel. Depending on where you are going, you may also need antimalarial tablets and should take steps to avoid mosquito bites, unsafe food and contaminated water. Some common travel illnesses do not have a vaccine, so these precautions still matter.
“It’s also wise to avoid touching or feeding wild and stray animals while you are away. If you are bitten or scratched, or an animal licks your eyes, mouth or broken skin, wash the area straight away and seek urgent medical advice. You should still do this even if you have had a rabies vaccine, as you may need further treatment.”
Speak to your GP
“Your doctor is here to help you, so if you’re confused, you can always make an appointment before your holiday to check exactly which vaccinations you’ll need. They’ll provide advice based on your destination, planned activities, medical history, and any existing health conditions, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll have the best protection before you travel.”
Dr Rupa Parmar concluded, “Vaccinations are something we should all be on top of before we travel. Checking the health requirements for your destination is just as important as booking flights, packing your suitcases, and planning an itinerary.
“Far too many holidaymakers see vaccinations as an inconvenience or something they don’t really need. But some diseases that are rare in the UK are pretty common in popular travel destinations. To protect yourself and others, you should ensure you’re fully vaccinated. Plus, you can avoid unnecessary complications on your trip, ensuring an easier, lower-stress holiday.”
