Travel Clinic

Chickenpox is caused by the Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus and most commonly affects children although can be caught at any age. Chickenpox is not usually dangerous it can be very unpleasant especially if caught in later life however can be dangerous for patients with an impaired immune system, new born babies and pregnant women.

The Chickenpox vaccine has proven to reduce the incidences of catching Chickenpox however does not completely eradicate the possibility. It is thought however if a person develops Chickenpox even after having a vaccine the symptoms tend to be much milder.

The vaccine consists of two doses a month apart and can be given from 1 year of age.

The Chickenpox vaccine must be given on the same day or 4 weeks apart from the MMR vaccine. This is because the MMR vaccine causes an increased response to the Chickenpox vaccine meaning that breakthrough infection with the Chickenpox vaccine is more likely if the interval is not respected.

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine caused by contaminated food and water which leads to vomiting and diarrhea.

Countries at risk: Cholera occurs in countries where there is poor sanitation and hygiene. It occurs in areas where there is a limited access to clean water and food and higher rates occur in places of natural disasters.

The cholera vaccine consists of two doses over a 1-6 week period which gives protection for up to two years. The cholera vaccine is a drink that must be drunk on an empty stomach meaning no food or drink (including water) should be ingested an hour before or after the vaccine. The cholera vaccine reduces travellers diarrhoea by 50% and is therefore a big factor in many travellers receiving the vaccination even if they are not heading into a high risk cholera zone.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat and can lead to difficulties in breathing and respiratory problems. In severe cases in unvaccinated individuals the disease can lead to respiratory and heart failure or a build up of toxins in the nervous system. The disease is spread through respiration droplets in sneezes and coughs.

Countries at risk: Thanks to a very successful vaccination programme, the risk in England and other developed countries is very low. Diphtheria cases continue to be reported in South-East Asia, South America, Africa and India where vaccination programmes in childhood may not be as thorough as in other countries.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and is contracted via contaminated supplies of food and water. The World Health Organization have estimated that there are approximately 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A every year worldwide.

Countries at risk: Hepatitis A occurs worldwide however the majority of cases occurs in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene commonly in Africa, Asia, South & Central America.

Once vaccinated with Hepatitis A a booster is required after a minimum of 6 months. Once the booster has been administered the individual will be covered against Hepatitis A for 25 years.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection which is spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. It is often contracted through sexual activity or blood contact with an infected individual. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Countries at risk: Hepatitis B occurs worldwide but higher risk areas include Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, South and Central America.

The hepatitis B vaccination is a three dose course which as a standard is given over 6 months however can be given as an accelerated course over 1 month with a booster after a year.

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection which is spread via mosquito bites. The disease causes inflammation of the brain which can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Countries at risk: Japanese Encephalitis is predominantly found in India and South East Asia and a very remote part of North East Australia.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccination consists of two doses given a month apart and should be considered for travellers planning outdoor activities or planning on living near farms or rice fields. The vaccination lasts for two years.

Malaria is a serious tropical disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes. If it is not diagnosed and treated quickly it can be fatal.

Countries at risk: Higher areas of risk of Malaria occur in Africa, South East Asia, India, and parts of South and Central America.

There are many different malaria tablets to choose from and it is therefore best to book an appointment with our travel advisors to work out which one would best suit your travel.

Meningitis B is a strain of Meningitis which can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Over half of cases are seen in patients under 5 years old.

For Children aged from 2 years to 10 years old the vaccination consists of two doses at least two months apart. For people over the age of 11 the vaccination consists of two doses spread at least one month apart.

Meningococcal Meningitis is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Countries at risk: Although meningitis is a worldwide risk there are a few countries across Africa that have a much higher risk known as the “meningitis belt”.

Travellers to high risk areas are advised to receive a meningitis vaccine. The meningitis vaccine is a requirement for travellers planning on going to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Hajj or Umrah and will not be allowed into the country without the appropriate certificate. The vaccination will last for up to 5 years. The meningitis vaccine is now also required for students at school and at university.

The MMR vaccination protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This vaccination is a part of the children’s vaccination course given under the NHS and is therefore rarely required. However for patient’s that have missed out on one of these vaccinations they can have a catch up dose. People moving abroad may require proof of MMR Vaccination or may be asked to have the required vaccination for application of visas.

The vaccine consists of two vaccines usually given in childhood. It can be given in adulthood with two doses given over the period of a month. It is a vaccine that is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Polio is a potentially life threatening acute viral infection which is highly contagious and may lead to permanent nerve damage causing paralysis of limbs and respiratory muscles.

Countries at risk: Polio has been largely wiped out over the last century since the introduction of routine polio vaccination. The disease is still however widespread throughout Central Africa and is also present in Asia, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas. The countries at a higher risk of polio (e.g. Pakistan) may ask to see proof of a vaccination if an endemic of the disease while you plan to travel there.

Rabies is a serious viral infection that targets the brain and nervous system. Rabies is contracted via a bite, scratch or saliva (on open wounds) from an infected mammal. The most common animals which can pass on rabies are bats, cats, dogs and monkeys. Unless treated very early rabies is nearly always fatal.

Countries at risk: Rabies occurs worldwide with the exception of Antarctica. Low risk areas include North America, Australia, Europe and Japan with the rest of the world being medium to high risk.

The rabies vaccination consists of three doses over a minimum of 21 days. Once the first vaccination is completed the second vaccination is done 7 days later and the third dose 14 days after the second dose. If you do come into contact with an animal that has bitten or scratched you it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have not had any pre-exposure rabies vaccination then you must seek medical attention within 24 hours. If the three vaccinations were completed before travel then it is still vital to seek medical attention however it gives you an extra 24 hours to get to hospital and you only require two extra vaccinations compared to five vaccinations plus a blood transfusion if no vaccinations were completed beforehand.

Shingles is an infection caused by the Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. Chickenpox is very common as a child and once the infection has gone it remains dormant in the body with your immune system keeping the virus in check. A reactivation of this virus can occur in some instances which then leads to shingles.

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) has been proven to reduce the chances of getting shingles by more than 50%. If shingles still develop after the vaccine it is thought the condition is milder and last for a much shorter time than usual. The shingles vaccine currently does not require a booster and therefore it is thought that vaccination against shingles will last a lifetime.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection which occurs when a puncture wound becomes contaminated. The bacteria that can cause tetanus are mainly found in soil, house dust and animal & human waste such as manure. Once entered into the body via a wound or serious burn the bacteria multiplies and produces a neurotoxin which disrupts the body’s nervous system.

Countries at risk: The bacteria can be found worldwide however a majority of tetanus cases occurs in countries where there is not a suitable vaccination programme such as China, India, Africa and in certain South American countries.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas.

Tick Borne Encephalitis is a viral infection that is spread via the bites of ticks. The disease can cause inflammation of the brain which can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Countries at risk: Tick Borne Encephalitis is predominantly found in rural areas of Central, Northern & Eastern Europe. It is also found in parts of Russia and East Asia.

The vaccination consists of three doses with the second dose given a month after the first and the third dose given five to twelve months after the second. An accelerated schedule can be given to individuals that need it, with the second dose given two weeks after the first which covers individuals for their upcoming trip. The third dose can then be given five to twelve months after the second.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that is spread via contaminated food and water. It is a highly contagious disease that affects approximately 18 million cases a year with around 400,000 of these cases resulting in death.

Countries at risk: Due to the way in which the disease is spread, typhoid is mainly found in countries where sanitation levels are poor and there is a limited supply to clean water. The disease is widespread in much of the world including Africa, South East Asia, Central Asia and Central & South America.

Travellers travelling to at risk countries are advised to receive a typhoid vaccination. The vaccination can either be given orally (a course of 3 capsules) or an injection. The oral typhoid vaccination is approximately 80% the effectiveness of the injection and is advised for people who are unable to receive the injection. The typhoid injection is effective for up to 3 years.

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquitos. There is a vaccine to prevent Yellow fever and is a very rare cause of illness in travellers due to the success of the vaccine.

Countries at risk: Yellow fever occurs in parts of Africa and South America. In many of these countries and surrounding countries you will be asked to provide proof of a Yellow fever vaccination in the form of a certificate.

The vaccine takes about 10 days for a full optimum protection and therefore the yellow fever certificate takes 10 days to come into effect once the vaccination is completed. It is therefore vital to leave enough time before travel to get the vaccination done. Most countries with a risk of yellow fever and surrounding countries will ask to see yellow fever vaccination before entry into the country. Failure to provide a valid yellow fever certificate may lead to a traveller being quarantined, immunized or denied entry.