Vaccinations take time. Consult your practice nurse well before departure ideally 8 weeks in advance.
Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccination is important for those likely to sustain injuries (tetanus) or mix closely with the local population (diphtheria). For countries where these diseases are still common you should to receive boosters every 10 years and everyone should have completed their normal British childhood schedule.
There is an increasing risk of Tuberculosis for those visiting many of the high-risk areas and when mixing with the local population. Remember protection from BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is only achieved after about 4-6 weeks. Boosters are not normally required.
Meningococcal type A vaccine is often advisable for backpackers visiting those risk areas in sub-Saharan Africa who will be mixing closely with the local population.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are important for backpackers who are often unable to be scrupulously careful about their food and water hygiene in risk areas.
Hepatitis B vaccine can be useful for those staying for longer periods in higher risk areas and if accidents requiring suturing, surgery or sexual risk taking is anticipated Influenza vaccine can be considered for those who might get a more severe illness such as those with existing chest problems. Remember the 'flu' season in the Southern Hemisphere is from April to November.
Japanese B Encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes and is sometimes advised for those spending longer periods in risk, especially rural areas, as is often the case with the more adventurous traveller.
Rabies vaccination can be important if you are going to be more than a day or two from good medical facilities.
Severnbank Surgery is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
Yellow Fever is a mosquito borne disease and occurs most commonly in jungle areas. It is therefore more likely in travellers going to remote areas. The disease is not present in Asia. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for crossing borders in many parts of Africa and South America.
There may be a charge for certain vaccinations
