Travel Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions

Travel vaccination consultation

Here at Roxboro Medical Centre, we know how enjoyable travel can be and we aim to help you with your preparations so that you have total peace of mind while you are away. We have a full range of travel vaccinations, and we can help you to understand the requirements of the country or countries you are travelling to, so that you are fully protected throughout your holiday or trip.

We recommend that you make an appointment to discuss your travel vaccinations as soon as you have made your travel plans. The vaccinations you need and the schedules they require will depend upon the plans you have made, and our expert team can help you to make the right arrangements.

Book Travel Vaccinations

 

Which Travel Vaccinations Do I Need?

The country or countries you are travelling to may require some mandatory vaccinations in order for you to enter, and you should be aware of this in advance. It can help to check the government website for the country or countries you intend to visit. Depending on where you are going and your itinerary, our experienced doctors and nurses may recommend additional vaccinations to protect against other potential risks.

Some vaccinations are recommended if you are carrying out certain activities, and the health and sanitation provision at your destination may also affect your decisions on which travel vaccinations to book. Some diseases such as Cholera and Hepatitis A, for example, are common in areas of poor sanitation, and you will be advised to have the vaccination against these diseases if you are travelling to higher risk areas. You will also be advised to practice good hygiene at all times and avoid tap water and food that has been washed in it.

 

When do I Need to Book Travel Vaccinations?

Vaccinations may take a certain amount of time to become fully effective, so it is important to allow time before you begin travelling. Six to eight weeks is enough for most vaccination schedules, but it is a good idea to talk to us as soon as you have finalised your travel plans so that we can advise you on the best time to have your vaccinations.

If you need to have travel vaccinations at short notice, we can arrange this for you, and you are likely to receive some protection from them. However, you can protect yourself more effectively by planning ahead.

 

What is a Travel Vaccine Consultation?

During a travel vaccine consultation, you will meet with one of our GPs and discuss your travel itinerary. We will assess the health risks involved in your trip and advise on required and recommend vaccines, as well as advising you on preventative measures you can take to keep yourself fit and healthy while you are away from home.

You should bring all the details of your planned travels, including your schedule as some activities incur a higher risk of illness. We will go through your vaccination history, so any health records you have will be helpful, and you should also bring your photo ID and a list of medications you are taking. Our consultation will shape the recommendations we provide, so it is important that we gather as much relevant information as possible.

 

Are Travel Vaccinations Safe?

Travel vaccinations are widely considered to be safe. They are recommended to protect you from serious diseases in the destination you are travelling to, and your doctor will discuss potential side effects with you.

If you are receiving several travel vaccinations at once, your doctor will take this into account and ensure that these combinations are safe and effective. Some vaccinations require two or three doses in order to be considered effective, so you should ensure that you have time to receive these before you begin your trip.

Some people have concerns around vaccinations and their potential effect on fertility, but there is no reliable evidence that these are connected. You can talk with your GP about your concerns, and they will address any questions you may have with regard to your individual health.

 

Do I Need the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

Some countries require the yellow fever vaccine for entry, and a vaccination certificate is usually required to travel into and out of these countries. Yellow Fever is common in certain African countries, as well as parts of Central America and South America, including Trinidad and Tobago. Controlling the spread of diseases such as Yellow Fever is vital and you should check the requirements for your destination carefully.

 

Can Children have Travel Vaccinations?

Yes, children often require travel vaccinations to protect them while they are travelling. They may need the same travel vaccines as adults, but the timings and doses of these may differ according to age and vaccine schedule. You can discuss this with your GP at your travel vaccination consultation.

When vacinating children, it is important to consider the impact of the standard childhood vaccination schedule alongside any travel vaccinations required, and you should take advice from your GP about this.

 

How Much do Travel Vaccinations Cost?

Travel vaccinations will vary in cost depending on which ones you require and how many doses you will need. Once you have found out which vaccinations are required for your destination, you can obtain the specific costs from our practice directly. At Roxboro Medical Centre, we tailor our provision to meet your needs so we will be able to give you the correct advice for your destination and your personal history.

 

Will I be given Travel Vaccinations at my Consultation?

We can provide travel vaccinations during your initial consultation, as we stock a wide range of vaccines to help streamline the process. Where appropriate, vaccinations can be administered at this appointment, depending on your individual vaccine schedule

Your travel vaccination consultation is an opportunity to discuss your travel plans and find out which vaccinations you will require. You can consider the difference between mandatory and recommended vaccinations and make your decisions about which you would like to have.

 

Men’s Healthcare at Roxboro Medical Centre

At Roxboro Medical Centre, our experienced team of nurses and doctors in Limerick can support you with excellent healthcare for all the family. As well as travel vaccinations, we offer a wide range of medical services, including specialised healthcare for men and for women, and sports medicine.

We offer patient focused care at our convenient location in Limerick City, and you can book an appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday by calling or emailing our team. Contact us to discuss the options or book a travel consultation with one of our experienced GPs.