If you’re planning a vacation in the near future, chances are you’re busy doing research regarding travel vaccines and which ones you should get. Data from UK health services indicate that travellers most commonly inquire about yellow fever, rabies, and typhoid vaccinations, as these are frequently required for many popular travel destinations, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
Using information based on recent health guidelines, we’ve put together this guide regarding these three essential travel vaccines.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes found primarily in certain areas in Africa and South America.
- Is it required? Yes, when you’re travelling to countries in Africa and South America, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination, namely a Yellow Card. By law, this is the only vaccine you’re legally required to get for travel across international borders in endemic areas.
- When should you get it? The certificate for the yellow fever vaccine only becomes valid 10 days after the vaccination is done because the vaccine takes about 10 days to provide full protection. As such, it is essential that you give yourself enough time to get the vaccine before travelling.
- Duration of protection: A single dose provides you with lifelong immunity. As such, you won’t need to get booster shots should you travel to any of the endemic countries in future. However, if you’re a high-risk individual, it would be best to speak with your healthcare provider.
- Possible side effects: Side effects are rare.
- Contraindications: Vaccination is not recommended for infants under 9 months, pregnant women, people with severe egg allergies, or those with severe immunodeficiency or thymus disorders. In case you cannot get the vaccine due to medical reasons, you will need to get a waiver certificate.
To book your yellow fever vaccination in South East London, contact our team at Travel Clinic Bromley.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a deadly zoonotic virus that affects the central nervous system. It is spread by the saliva of infected animals, such as dogs, cats, bats, and monkeys. Rabies is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries found in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. India alone accounts for nearly 35% of rabies deaths worldwide each year.
- Is it required? While it is not required, it is highly recommended for individuals travelling to rural or isolated regions, those staying for extended periods (over 30 days), and anyone likely to have contact with animals, such as campers and cyclists.
- When should you get it? The pre-exposure vaccine requires a series of doses – normally 3 shots – over a period of 7 to 28 days. You should, therefore, get the vaccine at least 4-6 weeks before travelling. Note that even if you did get the pre-exposure vaccine, you need to seek medical care immediately if you were bitten.
- Duration of protection: The pre-exposure vaccine provides protection for 1-3 years. Boosters are recommended every 3-5 years, especially for those who were exposed to rabies.
- Possible side effects: Common side effects occur within 24-48 hours after vaccination and generally resolve on their own. These side effects include pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site, as well as headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, dizziness, or fatigue. While extremely rare, more severe side effects have been recorded, including anaphylaxis, serum sickness-like reactions, and neurological disorders.
- Contraindications: Because rabies has such a high fatality rate, there are no absolute contraindications in post-exposure treatment (PET). It’s important to note, however, that some rabies vaccines, like the Rabipur vaccine, are prepared in chick embryo cells, which could cause those with severe egg allergies to react. Therefore, if you have a severe egg allergy, make sure you get alternative vaccines.
To book your rabies vaccination in Bromley, contact our team today.
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It is most commonly spread through the consumption of contaminated food and water. The disease remains widespread in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation and restricted access to safe drinking water.
- Is it required? While typhoid vaccines are not required, UK travellers are strongly recommended to get it when travelling to high-risk areas, like parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, where sanitation is poor.
- When should you get it? Ideally, you should get the vaccine 4-6 weeks before travelling. The vaccine can be taken as a series of three oral capsules or as a single injection. Note that the oral vaccine is only about 80% as effective as the injection.
- Duration of protection: The typhoid vaccine injection provides protection for up to 3 years. The oral vaccine lasts longer, offering protection for up to 5 years.
- Possible side effects: The side effects are usually mild and will subside on their own. Common side effects of the vaccine injection include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as headaches, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. The oral vaccine might cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
- Contraindications: The vaccine injection is contraindicated for individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions to a previous dose or any vaccine component, like formaldehyde or casein. It should be postponed with those suffering from acute severe febrile illness, like COVID-19 or influenza. Immunocompromised or pregnant individuals should avoid the live oral vaccine.
To book your typhoid vaccine in South East London, contact our team today.
Are You Travel Ready?
If you’re planning the holiday of your dreams but you’re not quite sure which vaccines you need to get for your destination, contact our team at Travel Clinic Bromley. We can provide you with all the information you need on travel vaccinations and more. Our travel clinics are conveniently located in Bromley, South London.
