How our travel vaccination clinic continues to equip travellers in a changing world
Different parts of the world all have their own threats to global health, and they continue to change as quickly as we adapt to them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all saw how rapidly infections can cross borders and impact countless lives, and we continue to do our part to prevent the worldwide spread of infectious diseases with our on-site travel vaccination clinic.
It is the responsibility of those travelling to high-risk areas to keep themselves safe and up-to-date with their vaccinations; so, no matter where you’re flying off to next, our travel vaccination clinic should be your first stop.
Our London travel vaccination clinic
At Heathrow Medical, we specialise in preventative travel vaccinations and pre-travel advice. In order to provide our patients with the best possible protection and prevent any infections from making their way back to the UK, we stay updated on all global health issues. Whether it’s a localised spike in infectious diseases, or the re-emergence of a dormant illness, we adapt our services and deliver the most up-to-date advice for our patients on global risks, including:
1. Pandemics
International travel has now returned to pre-pandemic levels as the world continues to move forward following the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the global lockdown taught us much about the prevention and management of infectious diseases, it also brought the conversation around travel vaccines to the forefront of global discourse, and the importance of these life-saving vaccines is now clearer than ever.
Before 2020, the lack of knowledge around travel-related diseases meant that travellers did not always view travel vaccinations as the lifesaving precautions that we now all know them to be. Providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19, particularly when travelling, became the new normal, and we continue to adapt our services in line with our patients’ vaccination history to do our part to prevent future pandemics.
2. Ongoing infectious diseases
As global travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, so too do the rates of travel-related infections. Last year, the UKHSA released data indicating that cases of dengue fever and zika virus were returning to pre-pandemic levels, whilst The World Health Organisation reported that, in 2022, global malaria cases had surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
The ongoing risks posed by these widespread infections continue to highlight the importance of travel vaccinations for anyone traveling to high-risk areas. For some countries, travellers are required to show proof of vaccination before being allowed to enter the country, so it’s important to visit our travel vaccination clinic well in advance of your departure date.
3. The impact of climate change
Changes in global temperatures and weather patterns are having an unforeseen impact on the spread of infectious diseases, and we can clearly see how this is impacting global health.
Warmer temperatures are expanding the habitat of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, whilst widespread flooding increases the risk of waterborne diseases. And, since so many of the diseases that we provide vaccinations for are climate sensitive, the borders of the areas requiring proof of vaccinations are also constantly changing.
Given that higher temperatures and volatile weather conditions are the new normal, we must continue to respond to these changes. To do this, we prepare personalised treatment plans for all of our patients, and adapt them as needed to provide full protection against these evolving threats to traveller safety.
4. Spikes in specific infections
Depending upon your travel plans and any activities you plan to take part in, you may need additional vaccinations against certain illnesses. For example, the UKHSA is currently reminding pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to get their meningitis vaccination before travelling.
Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah are required to hold a valid MenACWY vaccination certificate before entering the region, but there have still been 5 confirmed cases of MenW in those who had recently travelled to KSA and returned to the UK. So, make sure you discuss your travel plans with our team before travelling, even if you are visiting countries that don’t require proof of vaccination to enter.
We will be able to make you aware of any potential threats to public health and advise you on the right measures to take to keep yourself and your fellow travellers safe when attending events, festivals, and celebrations.
Book an appointment at our travel vaccinations clinic
We recommend attending your vaccination appointment at least 4 weeks before your departure date as this will give you enough time to receive all the required doses and provide your body with enough time to develop its immunity before you travel.
Don’t forget that we also offer expert pre-travel advice that is tailored to your travel plans and medical history, so click here to book an appointment.