Are you planning to travel out of your country? Then don’t forget to pack good health for the trip. While travelling abroad, many travelers face serious health issues. Most of the measles outbreaks that had been reported from Australia were triggered by young Australians, partially vaccinated, who returned home after becoming infected overseas. It is therefore important to protect yourself before your trip by getting vaccinated. Travel vaccines are absolutely safe and they are highly effective in minimizing the risks of falling ill while travelling abroad.
What Should You Do Before Planning International Travel?
Talk to a health care professional before you decide to travel abroad
It is highly important to make an appointment with a health care professional before you plan to travel outside your country 4 to 6 weeks before your scheduled travelling date so that you can complete your vaccine series and give sufficient time to your body to build up immunity.
Don’t forget to ask your health care professional about your routine vaccines
While talking to your healthcare professional about your travel, don’t forget to ask about your routine vaccines. Staying up-to-date on your routine vaccines, such as MMR vaccine is important.
Check if you are traveling to an area where a proof Yellow Fever immunization is required
If you are travelling to countries like Africa or Central or South America, you may need to have the yellow fever vaccine. This particular vaccine can be given to you only by a registered provider and it must be taken at least 10 days before your travel date. You will also need to have a stamped vaccine certificate.
Here are the some important vaccines and booster requirements:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Measles/ Mumps/ Rubella
- Hepatitis A
- Tuberculosis
- Rabies
- Polio
- Yellow fever
In case you are not able to receive vaccines for some particular medical conditions, don’t forget to carry an official note from your health care professional verifying your medical condition. Also talk to your doctor before taking any vaccines if you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding.
Few things that are considered before giving travel vaccination include:
- Country you are travelling
- When you are travelling
- How long you will be staying
- Your age and health condition
- Your vaccination history
Conclusion
Prevention is always better than cure
Immunization is undoubtedly one of the best ways to prevent vaccine preventable diseases. It is therefore highly important to take the right health advice and vaccinations before travelling outside your country if you wish to enjoy your trip to the fullest. After all, taking care of your health is your personal responsibility.