Get ready for winter travel with the help of travel vaccination clinics
As the temperatures drop here in the UK, it’s only natural that many people think of travelling to warmer climes to get some much needed sunshine. Whether it’s a winter holiday you are planning or you need to travel for business purposes, making sure you are protected against illness and disease can make your trip a lot more enjoyable. Travel vaccination clinics provide essential services to holidaymakers and business travellers at this time of year, so please do read on to find out how our travel health clinic can help make travel easier and more enjoyable for you this winter.
Travel vaccinations
Depending on where you are travelling, some vaccinations may be required in order to enter the country. Even if these immunisations are not mandatory, you should follow the advice of travel vaccination clinics to have any recommended vaccinations ahead of your trip. When travelling to different countries your immune system will be vulnerable to infectious diseases that are prevalent there, so protecting yourself with the relevant vaccination before you travel will help to ensure that illness doesn’t ruin your trip.
Some of the most common travel vaccinations that our travel health clinic provides include:
- Polio Vaccine: This is a common vaccine needed for travelling abroad. Polio is an infectious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Even if polio is not prevalent in your home country, it may still exist in the country you’re visiting.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: This is a single-dose vaccine providing lifelong protection against yellow fever. Yellow fever is a viral disease present in parts of Africa and South America, causing fever and flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe liver disease and death.
- Typhoid Vaccine: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. It’s common in parts of the world with poor sanitation and hygiene. The typhoid vaccine helps to protect against this disease.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It’s usually contracted from contaminated food or water. The vaccine for Hepatitis A is recommended for travel to areas with poor sanitation.
- Cholera Vaccine: Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. The vaccine isn’t routinely needed for most travellers but may be recommended for those travelling to areas with recent outbreaks.
- Rabies Vaccination: Rabies is a deadly virus spread through the saliva of infected animals, often through bites or scratches. UK travellers heading to countries with a high risk of rabies, particularly those planning to stay for a month or longer or who could come into contact with animals, are advised to get a pre-travel rabies vaccination. This includes children, who are more likely to approach animals. In the event of a potential exposure, it’s important to seek immediate medical care, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Vaccination certificates
Travel vaccination clinics play a crucial role in facilitating safe and healthy international travel by providing appropriate vaccinations and their certifications. Clinics such as ours administer necessary vaccines based on your travel plans and the health requirements of the country you are travelling to.
As per International Health Regulations (IHR), you may be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) upon entry into certain countries. Vaccines such as yellow fever, polio, and meningococcal meningitis are often documented on the ICVP. For example, some countries in South America and Africa may require proof of yellow fever vaccination. The ICVP, which is validated with a stamp from the vaccination clinic, carries pertinent information such as your name, vaccination dates, and the clinician’s signature.
Medications
It isn’t just vaccinations that make travel health clinics so vital to safe overseas travel but also the provision of medication to help prevent deadly diseases.
Malaria is a severe and potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical countries. UK travellers are advised to take preventative measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Antimalarial medication is also recommended for certain high-risk areas, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific travel plans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential if symptoms develop, which can appear up to a year after exposure.
Winter travel health advice
In addition to providing immunisations, vaccination certificates and medications, a travel clinic such as ours can also offer you advice on your destination and what to expect in terms of sanitary conditions, drinking water, foods to avoid and the travel illnesses you may encounter.
We can provide pre-travel consultations to discuss potential health risks associated with your destination. This includes advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention, and general hygiene practices. We can conduct pre-travel wellness exams, including age-appropriate screenings to ensure you are fit for the journey. We also offer comprehensive information about travel health and safety, including information about potential health risks and the required immunisations.
5 reasons to choose Heathrow Medical Services as your travel vaccination clinic:
- We have an experienced team who can offer advice on travel to any destination.
- We provide a full range of vaccinations at competitive prices.
- We are a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
- We are conveniently located close to Heathrow Airport.
- We offer a flexible appointment system.
Remember, it’s best to visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure as some vaccines require time to take effect. If you need travel vaccines for yourself, your family or your employees, please contact Heathrow Medical on +44(0)20 8528 2633 or click here to find out more about our travel vaccination clinic.