Why Are Travel Vaccinations Important?

If you plan a trip outside of the country, it’s important to get vaccinated against some dangerous diseases that are prevalent in other parts of the world. The vaccinations are intended to keep you safe from infections like typhoid, hepatitis A, and yellow fever. Where can I get travel vaccines near me in Luton? Keep reading to find out.

It is critical to get vaccinated regardless of where you are going in order to stay safe and secure.

Why are travel vaccinations required?

When you travel outside the UK, you may be exposed to pathogens against which you are not immune. In medical terms, this is known as "immunity," hence "immunisations." This can result in diseases and infections like yellow fever and hepatitis A. The illnesses can be fatal in some cases. Getting vaccinated before your trip will aid in the development of your body's resistance to these infections. This is important because many of these diseases are life-threatening.

How do travel vaccines near me in Luton work?

Travel vaccines provide immunity against a wide range of infections and diseases, but they all work in the same way. The vaccine is essentially an injection that imitates the pathogen responsible for the infection or disease. This will activate your immune system, causing it to produce antibodies, which are white blood cells that are designed to repel the specific infection. As a result, if you are exposed to the virus or bacteria, your immune system will destroy it before it can cause harm to your body.

It is critical that you get the vaccination at least 21 days before your trip, and sometimes even more. This gives your body enough time to produce all of the antibodies it requires to protect you as effectively as possible.

All types of travel vaccinations and antimalarial medication are available from pharmacists. Prior to your trip, we will also provide you with up-to-date health information and advice. This is done to ensure that you are fully aware of the risks that await you before departing.

When should I begin thinking about getting travel vaccines near me?

If possible, see your pharmacist, doctor or a private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines must be administered well in advance in order for your body to develop immunity.
Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks or months. You may be more susceptible to certain diseases, for example, if you are:

• Travelling in the countryside
• Backpacking
• Camping or staying in hostels
• Taking a long trip rather than a package vacation

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be more susceptible to infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which vaccinations do I need before travelling?

You should get the following vaccinations before travelling abroad:

• Cholera vaccination: Most travellers do not need the cholera vaccine.
• Diphtheria vaccination: This is a series of shots that provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
• Hepatitis A: You should get vaccinated against hepatitis A if you are going to a place where it is common and hygiene and sanitation are poor.
• Hepatitis B vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended when travelling to areas where hepatitis B is prevalent.
• Japanese encephalitis vaccination
• Meningococcal meningitis vaccination
• Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination (MMR)
• Rabies vaccination
• Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination
• Immunisation against tuberculosis (TB)
• Anti-typhoid vaccination
• Vaccination for yellow fever

These vaccines are completely safe and getting them will keep you healthy. Many diseases, however, such as malaria, cannot be prevented through vaccination. Nevertheless, we do offer antimalarial tablets to keep you protected.

Getting tested for COVID-19

It’s crucial to get tested against Covid-19 before travelling. You can take this test for:

• Yourself
• Someone close to you
• A child who has been entrusted to you
  

Other factors to take into consideration

Other factors to consider when planning your travel vaccinations include:

• Your age and health - you may be more susceptible to infection than others; certain vaccines cannot be administered to people with certain medical conditions.
• Working as an aid worker – this entails coming into contact with more diseases, whether in a refugee camp or after a natural disaster.
• Working in a medical setting - for example, as a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker may necessitate additional vaccinations.
• Contact with animals - you may be more susceptible to diseases transmitted by animals, such as rabies.

If you're only visiting Northern and Central Europe, North America, or Australia, you won't need any vaccinations. However, it is vital to ensure that you are up to date on routine vaccinations available through the NHS. You can find out more about the vaccines we offer here.

Visit Biscot Phamacy today to get your travel vaccines.

This blog post was written on behalf of Biscot Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.