Before travelling overseas, do consult a doctor to find out what travel vaccinations you may need and get vaccinated.
Travelling overseas? Don't forget the vaccinations and medications.
Planning a safe trip requires more than just travel bookings and buying travel insurance. It’s also about being well prepared, health-wise.
5 Things to do before travelling
1. Look up health information that applies to your destination
Do some research on the destination. On websites like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO), you can find out what diseases you might be at risk for (like malaria in Peru, yellow fever in Sub-Saharan Africa), vaccine recommendations and what medicines you should pack.
2. Schedule an appointment with a doctor
The best vaccination advice will come from your doctor. Schedule an appointment four to six weeks before you leave.
Dr Limin Wijaya, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, explains, “A proper medical consultation will reveal the type of vaccinations you need based on your health conditions, past vaccinations and holiday destination.”
Plan in advance as some vaccinations require doses spread over a few weeks and take time to become effective. But if it’s a last-minute trip, it is still possible to head down to the doctor’s clinic and try to minimise your health risks.
3. Clear all your medical doubts
At the clinic, check your health concerns with your doctor. If you are unsure whether you can continue with vaccinations since you are pregnant, already feeling ill or on antibiotics, ask your doctor.
“Generally, it is okay to undergo certain vaccinations even if you are pregnant, suffering from mild colds or on antibiotics,” says Dr Wijaya.
“However, those with a high fever of over 38 degrees Celsius should delay the vaccinations.”
Live vaccines cannot be given to pregnant woman and those who are immunocompromised.
4. Decide on the type of vaccination you need – and get it!
After the consultation, decide what type of vaccinations you need. Sometimes, you may not even need the jabs.
Always keep a record of your vaccinations. In some cases, you may need to show proof of vaccination at your destination country. For instance, yellow fever vaccination is a must for travel to sub-Saharan Africa and South America.
5. Have any post-travel health concerns?
If you think you’ve brought home more than just beautiful memories, it’s time to make a trip to the doctor.
Dr Wijaya says, “This is especially crucial if you’re experiencing a fever and have travelled in a malaria zone, or if you’ve been scratched or bitten by an animal. If you’re feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
Travel vaccines available
Many travel-related diseases are vaccine-preventable. Some common vaccines are listed below. Check with your doctor which, if any, of these vaccines you may need before you travel.
| Vaccine | What can it protect you from and when you might need it |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | A routine vaccination against viral infection involving the liver that usually requires two shots. Good to have no matter where you’re going, especially if you will be in developing countries. |
| Hepatitis B | Same as above, but requires three shots. |
| Typhoid | A vaccination against a bacterium that produces severe, life-threatening systemic illness which can include diarrhoea. Recommended for places like Africa, Asia and South America. |
| Japanese encephalitis | A recommended vaccination if you will be spending lots of time in rural areas in Asia. This disease is spread by mosquito bites. |
| Rabies | A three-dose vaccination against an acute viral infection of the nervous system, which is spread through the bite of an infected animal. |
| Yellow fever | A vaccination against a viral illness caught from the bite of an infected mosquito. Required for travel to certain places such as sub-Saharan Africa and South America. You will need to carry proof of the vaccination with you. |
| Tetanus | Most of us have received this vaccination against the bacterium Clostridium tetani in school. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch. If it’s been over 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination, you might need another shot. A combination vaccine containing tetanus can be given, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. |
| Influenza | Recommended for yearly vaccination. |
| Pneumococcal Disease | Pneumococcal infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia and other life-threatening ailments. Serious pneumococcal infections can be prevented with vaccination. |
Other recommended vaccines for travel include:
- Hepatitis A+B
- Meningococcal
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
- Polio
- Varicella (Chicken pox)
- Shingles
The SGH Travel Clinic is run by specialists from the Department of Infectious Diseases. It is a designated Yellow Fever Centre. The team of doctors and nurses will offer comprehensive travel advice and country-specific recommendations prior to your trip.
Ref: Q15
Related articles:
Travel Vaccines and 5 Things to Do Before Travelling
How to Stay Healthy While Travelling
How to Protect Your Eyes When Travelling
Travel Health Tips for Seniors
Travelling During Pregnancy: Tips to Stay Safe
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