Medical Questions » Travel Questions » Question No. 993
| Question: | What vaccinations are available to protect you against diseases when travelling in poorer countries? |
| Answer: | There are a wide range of vaccinations available, but not all are necessary for all destinations. You will need to check with your GP to see which ones you need for your itinerary.
A vaccination programme for overseas travel should commence five weeks before departure but may be completed in two weeks if absolutely necessary. Vaccinations that may be required include:
Cholera. A new oral vaccine now gives good protection for six months.
Hepatitis A. One vaccination of the latest vaccine (Havrix 1440) will give six to twelve months protection. A booster at this time will give long-term protection. Hepatitis A occurs everywhere in the world, but is more common in areas of poor hygiene.
Hepatitis B. Two vaccinations four to six weeks apart will give six months protection. Boosters at six months and five yeats will usually give long term protection. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix) is also available.
Malaria. Prevention involves taking the appropriate tablets for the areas being visited. Numerous combinations of tablets may be used. Some drug regimes must be taken for up to two weeks before entering a malarious area, and for up to a month after leaving. Dosages vary between a tablet every day to two tablets a week.
Meningococcal meningitis. One injection, five weeks before departure.
Typhoid. Three capsules, two days apart, give 12 months protection, OR one injection gives three to five years protection.
Yellow fever. One injection, five weeks before departure, gives ten years protection.
Immunoglobulin. In situations where there has been exposure to hepatitis A or other serious illnesses, or there is insufficient time for a normal course of vaccinations, one immunoglobulin injection gives protection for 6 to 12 weeks against numerous viral infections, depending on dose.
Japanese encephalitis. Two vaccinations, two weeks apart. It is required only for residence in rural areas of India, Nepal, China and South-East Asia.
All travellers should also ensure that their tetanus and polio (Sabin) vaccinations are up to date.
|
|
|
