Summer is just around the corner and if you’re planning a last-minute getaway, it’s crucial not to overlook your health. Travelling exposes you to different environments and diseases, making vaccinations a key part of your travel preparations. This guide covers essential vaccinations for summer travel, ensuring you’re protected no matter where your adventures take you.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Travelers?
Travelling increases your exposure to ailments not prevalent in your home country. Vaccinations can prevent diseases that are common in other parts of the world. Ensuring you have the right vaccinations means you can enjoy your trip without the worry of falling ill.
Essential Vaccinations for Summer Travel
The essential vaccinations for summer travel can vary depending on your destination, your medical history and any specific health concerns. However, some common vaccinations recommended for summer travel include:
1. Hepatitis A and B
These liver infections are transmitted through contaminated food and water (Hepatitis A) or body fluids and blood (Hepatitis B). Vaccination is recommended, especially if you’re visiting areas with a higher risk of these diseases.
2. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water. It’s particularly common in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The vaccine is vital for those travelling to these areas.
3. Yellow Fever
Certain countries in Africa and South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. The disease is transmitted by a mosquito vector and getting vaccinated is a safe choice.
4. Rabies
Rabies can be transmitted through bites from infected animals. Consider this vaccine if you’ll be in rural areas where there might be exposure to wildlife.
5. Japanese Encephalitis
If you’re planning to spend time in rural parts of Asia, this vaccine is recommended. The disease spreads through mosquito bites.
6. Meningococcal Disease
This vaccine is advised for travellers to parts of Africa and other areas with meningococcal outbreaks. It protects against a serious brain and spinal cord infection.
7. Routine Vaccinations
Ensure that your routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) and varicella (chickenpox) are up to date.
How to Get Vaccinations for Adults on Short Notice
Getting vaccinations for adults on short notice can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re planning a last-minute trip or realising you’re overdue for certain vaccines, there are several steps you can take to expedite the process and ensure you’re protected.
1. Assess Your Vaccination Needs
Before rushing to get vaccinated, take some time to assess your vaccination needs. Consider factors such as your travel destination, the types of activities you’ll be engaging in, your medical history and any specific health concerns. This will help you prioritise which vaccines are most important to get on short notice.
2. Check Your Immunisation Records
If you’re unsure about which vaccines you’ve already received, check your immunisation records. Our pharmacists will check the have a record of your past vaccinations, which can help determine which ones you may need to update or receive.
3. Visit a Travel Clinic
If you’re travelling internationally, consider visiting a travel clinic that specialises in providing vaccinations and health advice for travellers. These clinics are often well-equipped to handle last-minute vaccination requests and can provide expert guidance on which vaccines are recommended or required for your destination.
4. Check Vaccine Availability
Once you’ve determined which vaccines you need, check the availability of those vaccines at pharmacies, healthcare clinics or travel clinics in your area. Some vaccines may be readily available, while others may require ordering or may be subject to shortages. Call ahead to confirm vaccine availability with us and schedule an appointment if necessary.
5. Consider Urgent Care Centers
If you’re unable to get an appointment at our travel clinic, consider visiting an urgent care centre. While they may not offer all vaccines, some urgent care centres do provide certain vaccinations on a walk-in basis, which can be convenient if you’re pressed for time.
Ready for Your Summer Travels?
Last-minute travel doesn’t mean you should compromise on health. With the right vaccinations, you can protect yourself against numerous travel-related illnesses.
Visit Nima Pharmacy at our locations in Richmond and Stoneleigh to get all the travel vaccinations you need quickly and conveniently. Our expert pharmacists are here to help you with personalised advice and support. Ensure you’re protected wherever your adventure takes you. Stop by Nima Pharmacy today. Safe travels start with us!