from tent to Turkey - the Eclipse experience

Travel vaccinations and medications - Q & A

Travel vaccinations and medications - Q & A:

Are vaccinations necessary when travelling to developed countries?

As a general rule, I advise all travellers to visit their local doctor regardless of overseas destination. Although developed countries generally pose no more health threats than travel within Australia, there are a few exceptions. Some of the following may be recommended:

* Routine vaccinations - childhood vaccines should be brought up to date if required. Boosters for tetanus and diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) and polio may be advised. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine should be given if you were born after 1965 and have not received a second dose of the MMR vaccine. Meningococcal C, hepatitis B and chicken pox vaccines are now part of the routine list recommended by the NHMRC.
* Influenza - this is a significant risk to travellers to Europe and USA, and is a year-round risk in tropical areas. A vaccination could save you from a wasted week of recuperation.
* Pneumonia - may also be advisable for higher risk groups.
* Hepatitis A - The Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta USA advises there is some risk in Southern Europe and the countries bordering the Mediterranean, as well as in Portugal.
* Hepatitis B - a vaccine is recommended for those planning a long extended trip and if you may be sexually active with new partners.
* Rabies - consider if cycling around Eastern Europe in particular.

It's a good idea to take a broad spectrum antibiotic with you (which requires a prescription) to cover, for example, an infected cut, sinusitis or cystitis. This may save an unsettling experience, particularly in a non-English speaking country. Legionnaires' disease is more common in some Mediterranean countries.

Where to get help

* Your doctor
* Travel Clinics Australia Tel. 1300 369 359 (for appointments)
* Travel Clinics Infoline"

Posted by Spidey at 6:52 PM