If you’re planning a trip soon, you may be wondering whether or not you need to get vaccinated. The answer depends on several factors, including your destination and the type of travel you’ll be doing. Here’s what you need to know about vaccination for travel.
What is vaccination and how does it work?
Vaccinations are medical procedures that involves injecting a weakened version of an infectious pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, into the body to help build up immunity. Vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies that help protect against the disease when the infected organism is encountered in future. Travel vaccinations play an important role in promoting health and safety for people travelling from one place to another, especially if they go to different parts of the world where different infections may exist.
Why is vaccination important when travelling
Travel vaccinations are an important consideration when travelling, as they protect us against illnesses that we may not be used to. It’s usually recommended that you check with your medical practitioner about what safety precautions you should take before your adventure, such as the right type of vaccinations and even durations of preventive drugs.
What are the risks of not being vaccinated
Travelling to new locations has become increasingly available, but a risk still exists for those who don’t ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Not being vaccinated can potentially cause many illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented, though the actual risks depend on the area you’re visiting and how likely it is that you will come into contact with the virus or bacteria causing the illness. When travelling, it is important to speak with a medical practitioner and get any travel vaccinations required for the destination.
How to get vaccinated before travelling
Travel vaccinations protect against certain illnesses that are more prevalent in other countries than your own. Depending on where you’re travelling, these may include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, or Japanese encephalitis. To find out which ones you’ll need, visit a medical practitioner who specialises in travel health and discuss your destination country and the activities you plan to do there.
What to do if you can’t get vaccinated before travelling
Your best course of action is to visit a medical practitioner as soon as possible after arriving at your destination. They will assess the length of time you are staying and recommend any additional injections that you may need to protect yourself from local illnesses. Prevention is always better than cure and getting your travel vaccinations can make sure you have an amazing trip without the worries of getting sick due to diseases in a foreign country.
Would you like to speak with a medical practitioner
Get in touch with our team at Drayton Street Family Practice today! We are here to help you and your loved ones stay healthy and happy at home and abroad. Located in Nanango Queensland, you may like to phone ahead on 07 4171 0711. Or feel free to book an appointment online.