With the increase in popularity of long haul holidays to exotic locations, informed accurate travel advice is essential.

Possibly the most vital  areas are those of pre-travel immunisation  and Malaria prophylaxis if needed. For travel outside of Europe, North America and Australasia there are few destinations where immunisation of some sort, is not required for most people.

Make sure that you allow enough time !!

It can take up to six weeks to complete a course of vaccinations. Some have to be given in two doses a month apart, so do leave enough time before you travel. Protection is long term, so you can not start your injections too soon !

For various reasons, some people will always need to travel at short notice, in this situation we will provide as much protection as possible. To do this, time may not permit full immunization, instead injection of human gamma globulin is the best short term protection against the more commonly encountered diseases. However, whilst this is better than nothing, it does not provide anywhere near the level of protection that is given by vaccination. Travellers with only this amount of protection can, and do catch the diseases that vaccination would normally prevent, though fortunatey usually in a milder form.

Because of differing patterns of drug resistance in different parts of the world, the drugs required depends on the areas to be visited. You will be advised what is most appropriate for your travel destination. Anti Malarial drugs have to be purchased on a private prescription.

One anti- Malarial drug Lariam or Mefloquine is known to have side effects. In susceptible people it can cause psychiatric problems and or disturbance of heart rhythm. People with a past history of any psychological or psychiatric problem such as depression and also people with any known heart disease MUST NOT under any circumstances take this drug. This used to create problems as in certain parts of Africa, particularly the areas most popular for Safari holidays Mefloquine was the only effective anti-Malarial drug due to the highly resistant Malaria prevalent there, fortunately newly introduced drugs are effective with much less risk of serious side effects. The alternative is to take less effective medication and take vigorous anti mosquito precautions. However it has to be accepted that there remains a substantial risk of contracting Malaria, particularly the very serious falciparum or cerebral Malaria.

It is important that people should get advice about Malarial prophylaxis before booking and paying for a holiday. Travel insurance companies do not accept inability to take a prophylactic drug as being a valid cause for cancellation. They take the view that it is up to the traveler to find out these things first. BE WARNED.

For further information regarding travel health please consult Kate, Paula or one of the Doctors. We may not have the information that you require instantly availabel, however we will very soon find out.

Alternatively you can look up the Travax data yourself at  

  www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/