Though foreign travel has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last couple of years, there are signs that things are starting to return to normal. With people keen to book overseas holidays, start planning that trip of a lifetime or get back to business meetings, it’s important to know where to get the information and vaccinations you need ahead of any international travel.
Whilst your GP can advise and help you with many of the vaccinations and advice you might need, pressure on clinics is still huge as the pandemic progresses so the best course of action may be to use a travel clinic. These private clinics are designed to give travellers the information and vaccinations needed to allow for safe and healthy travel around the world, so just what can you expect from your local travel clinic?
Vaccinations for travel
In addition to your Covid-19 vaccinations, you may also be required to be immunised against other illnesses in order to enter certain countries. For guidance on specific entry requirements you should check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website. Once you know what the requirements are, it’s a good idea to also contact your local travel clinic for further advice and guidance on what vaccinations you might need.
The vaccinations required will depend upon a wide number of factors including:
- Where you are going
- How long you plan to stay
- Where you are staying
- What you will be doing when you get there
- Your current state of health
Some of the most common vaccinations that might be required for overseas travel include Malaria, Yellowfever, Rabies, Typhoid, Cholera and Polio. Most countries will also want to see that you are up to date with any seasonal vaccinations such as flu or that you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. It is important therefore to keep any documentation or online proof that you have had these vaccinations and be prepared that you may need to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter or leave a country.
Vaccination costs
Some vaccinations are available free of charge on the NHS, however as not all vaccinations are available this way and given that pressure on the NHS is currently still high, you should be prepared to pay privately for some or all of the jabs you need to have, at a private travel clinic.
When to book at a travel clinic
Ideally you should get in touch with your local travel clinic around 8 weeks before you are due to depart on your trip. This is because some vaccinations need to be administered in a series of jabs over a given schedule. You will also need to have completed your vaccination course at least 10 days prior to travelling in order for it to be valid.
What else can a travel clinic help you with?
In addition to advising on and administering vaccines, a travel clinic can also help provide you with any necessary medication – such as antimalarial tablets, medical advice such as how to manage any pre-existing conditions overseas and general advice on how to stay healthy and avoid common travel illnesses.
It’s a good idea to bring along details of where you are going, your itinerary, what immunisations you have had already and any current medication you are taking. The more information you can give to your travel clinic doctor or nurse, the more specific and helpful they can be in the advice and services they provide.
Heathrow Medical is a specialist medical centre situated next to Heathrow Airport, offering a London travel clinic for both leisure and business travellers. For more information please visit their website heathrowmedical.com.
