Getting jabs before you go on holiday should be a priority if you want to enjoy your trip without running the risk of infection and health problems. There are a wide range of different vaccinations available, with what you take depending on which part of the world you’re travelling to. Avoiding vaccinations can be problematic if you want to get a decent insurance quote, as part of your medical policy may stipulate that you have to take adequate precautions before travelling; check out travel insurance providers like http://www.directasia.com.hk to check coverage terms.
Before travelling, you should always check whether there are any recommended or mandatory vaccinations to receive; if you’re only going to Europe, or if you’re travelling to the United States or Canada, you’ll probably not have to get vaccinated. However, if you’re visiting an area of the world that’s recently had an outbreak of infectious disease, or that has a long record of problems with viruses, then it’s only common sense to get yourself vaccinated.
Some of the most important vaccinations that you can pick up through the NHS include those for polio, cholera, and hepatitis A; you may also have to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis if you’re visiting certain Middle Eastern countries, while there may be a need to immunise yourself against strains of yellow fever in some parts of Africa and Latin America. Always speak to your GP to see what options are available.
It’s also a good idea to see what times of the year contain the highest risk of disease and seasonal problems – - monsoon season, for example, in parts of India can increase your risk of catching water-borne diseases unless you take the right precautions. Moreover, if you’re camping or staying in a forest or jungle, you’re at a risk of bites and other infections, as well as problems with plants and animal allergies. Anyone working in a refugee camp and the sick should also receive appropriate vaccinations before they travel.
In some cases, travel insurance providers will add in clauses that require you to have completed your basic vaccinations if they’re going to issue insurance for different parts of the world; not having vaccinations can lead to expensive medical costs if you have to seek treatment for emergencies and recurring conditions. You may have to prove that you have your shots to your insurance company before you leave the country.
Again, it’s best to do some quick research into the level of insurance you require, and what shots need to be taken before you travel. Get advice from your GP, and check online to see whether there are any immediate health dangers for the place that you’re visiting. Taking this approach can not only provide you with peace of mind, but it can also make you much at much less of a risk of having to invest in expensive treatments.