Box off those jabs right now says Dr Zahid Chauhan

GP Dr Zahid Chauhan

We are at the height of summer and some will be planning a holiday abroad – in hotter and maybe even exotic climes says Dr Zahid Chauhan, a GP at the Dale Medical Practice within Nye Bevan House.

Unfortunately many patients leave it too late to contact their local surgery about receiving the necessary inoculations to keep them safe whilst overseas. That can lead to real worry about lack of protection against disease and in some cases, such as when making pilgrimage to places such as Saudi Arabia where it is mandatory to have a meningitis jab, it can result in being barred from entry into the country.

Let us clear up the confusion about what injections you need to travel safely. This is largely dependent on what time of year you are jetting off (rainy seasons make disease more virulent), whether you are on a package hotel holiday or backpacking in the country (rural areas are more prone to infections), how long you are staying and which country you are visiting.

My NHS colleagues have produced an extremely useful website which details, country by country, which inoculations you should consider having. It is a real mixed bag. Countries such as Australia have few if any requirements, while visitors to Pakistan are encouraged to get immunised against Japanese Encephalitis, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

It isn’t just holidaymakers who venture abroad, and those working in medicine and aid in particular may need to be protected against a range of possible diseases.

Be fit for travel and check out what protection you might need by visiting:

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx

Whilst you are reviewing what injections you require, you should also consider the altitude in other countries as the thinness of air can cause problems for those with breathing conditions. Travel sickness on long journeys and protection against the hot sun are worth looking into.

Your overall health will be a big factor in deciding what injections you need. If you are pregnant or breast feeding make sure you consult your GP. That advice also applies to those with poor immune systems.

Injections against worldwide diseases such as hepatitis A, cholera and typhoid are available free on the NHS. You may already have received the necessary jabs against tetanus and polio – so ask your doctor to check.

It is absolutely vital that you do protect yourself from serious sickness when travelling abroad – particularly when you are visiting a very different environment, which your body may not be tolerant to. Protection is also crucial so that you do not bring infectious diseases back home with you. History tells us that this is how pandemics are created; so if you return from holiday feeling ill, then see your GP straight away.

Injections can take time to work (up to eight weeks in some cases) so make sure you make an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner in plenty of time.

The jab of a needle or a quick course of treatment really can ensure that you have a happy - and safe - holiday.