Having allergies doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have travel vaccines, but it’s important to approach travel vaccination with caution and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The National Health Service (NHS) advises speaking with your doctor before getting any vaccinations if you have allergies, including vaccinations for travel. Here’s what you need to know about travel vaccines and allergies.
Why Consult Your Doctor?
Before receiving any vaccinations, especially for travel, it’s essential to discuss your allergies with your healthcare provider. This discussion is important because:
Safety Concerns: Some vaccines contain allergens that could trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Alternative Options: Your doctor can recommend alternative vaccines or strategies to protect you from travel-related diseases without triggering allergies.
Individual Assessment: Your doctor will assess your specific allergies and medical history to determine the safest approach to vaccination.
Example: Yellow Fever Vaccine and Egg Allergy
For example, the yellow fever vaccine contains significant amounts of egg protein. Therefore, it is contraindicated in individuals with an egg allergy. If you have an egg allergy, your doctor may recommend alternative vaccines or advise against travel to areas where yellow fever is prevalent.
Travel Clinic in Tadworth, Twickenham, Walton on Hill, Banstead, Cheam and Chessington
Nima Pharmacy offers a Travel Clinic in Tadworth, Twickenham, Walton on Hill, Banstead, Cheam and Chessington. Our clinic provides comprehensive travel health services, including travel vaccinations, malaria prevention and travel health advice.
Our experienced pharmacists will assess your travel itinerary and medical history to recommend the most suitable travel vaccinations and medications for your trip. We also provide advice on travel health risks and preventive measures to ensure you stay healthy during your travels.
General Advice for Travellers with Allergies
If you have allergies and are planning to travel, consider the following tips:
- Consult Your Doctor: Before your trip, discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider to assess any potential risks and receive personalised advice.
- Travel Health Kit: Pack a travel health kit with your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including allergy medications.
- Food Safety: Be cautious about the foods you consume, especially if you have food allergies. Avoid street food and be sure to check food labels and ingredients.
- Emergency Preparedness: Carry your allergy emergency response plan, including copies in the local language and ensure your travel companions are aware of your allergies and how to assist in case of an allergic reaction.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation, especially if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Book Your Travel Health Consultation Now!
Having allergies doesn’t necessarily prevent you from receiving travel vaccines, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor before vaccination. Our healthcare provider can provide personalised advice based on your allergies and travel plans to ensure your health and safety during your trip.
Schedule your travel health consultation at Nima Pharmacy. Our travel clinic services are available in Tadworth, Twickenham, Walton on Hill, Banstead, Cheam and Chessington. Our experienced pharmacists will provide personalised advice and vaccinations to keep you safe during your travels. Contact us today to book your appointment.