It’s the final countdown- passport and tickets are at the ready, you’ve scrutinized over the map and planned your amazing travel itinerary.

Have you forgotten anything?

Before you depart on an adventure of a lifetime, in fact a few months before- there’s one vital thing that you really must include in your pre-holiday planning…Yup you’ve probably guessed it, vaccinations. No one likes to be jabbed by a needle, but seriously, this stuff is really important and so it can’t be left until the last minute.

In the western world, we take our healthcare and standards of hygiene for granted. It’s ludicrous to think that in other parts of the world, sanitation standards and food hygiene are extremely poor. Healthcare in some areas is barely non-existent, immunization unheard of or considered as witchcraft. People are still dying from stuff like Diphtheria, Typhoid and Polio which are unheard of in places like the western world.

Sadly, there it is… Now, this is definitely not a reason to avoid pulling on your hiking boots and exploring the great unknown so please don’t be put off going traveling. It just means you need to be prepared. In fact, if you still need convincing, some countries require you to show evidence of vaccinations before they’ll let you in.

So, here’s a brief guide to help you get ready for your amazing trip.

1. Be prepared

Fortunately, there is a great service by Pharmavaccs who provide travel vaccination packages for the most popular holiday destinations worldwide and health advice specifically for travelers. With a simple, same day online booking in service, flexible appointments and loads of branches around the UK, you don’t have to go far to find a branch near you. The most common vaccines are for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. While you’re there, check that you are immunized against more common conditions such chicken pox and STIs if you consider this necessary.

2. Do your research

Find out if there are any disease outbreaks that you need to be mindful of in the area you are visiting and what the precautionary steps are. Depending upon where you are going, more than one vaccine may be required.

3. Take basic hygiene precautions

Diphtheria is highly contagious. It’s spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who’s infected. You can also get it by sharing items, such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding, with an infected person. Tetanus, on the other hand is spread by bacteria who live in the soil. The bacterium enters the body through cuts from contaminated objects. Typhoid and Polio and Hepatitus A are spread through contaminated water, food or saliva.

In short, be smart and take care of yourself. Take medication if needed and water sterilizing tablets with you and avoid any dodgy looking foods

Provided you do all these things, there’s no reason why you can’t have an amazing holiday!

Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay