Travelling can be a fantastic adventure. It is a great chance to meet new people and experience new cultures. But it is important to plan carefully for the practical logistics of your trip, in order to stay safe and be able to fully enjoy your holiday. It can be easy to overlook health concerns during the fun of travel planning, but it could be the most important preparation you do. The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health, but many countries have vaccination requirements well beyond covid. The potential dangers change depending on where you plan to visit, so careful research is needed to ensure you are fully vaccinated for your destination. You should ensure your vaccinations for life at home are up to date, as well as getting any additional shots particular to your destination. At Roxboro Medical Centre, our friendly team of health professionals can help guide you through the travel vaccination process, tailoring our service especially for you and your trip. Here is our guide to travel vaccinations by country and region.
The EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC)
Covid-19 vaccines will now be needed for most travel. If you are planning on travelling within the EU and EEA, getting your EU Digital Covid Certificate is a good place to start. This is a free document giving proof that you have been vaccinated against covid-19, received a negative test result, recovered from covid-19 in the last six months, or have received a booster vaccine. It is available in both digital and paper format, and contains basic information including your name, date of birth, date of issue, any relevant information about your vaccine, booster, test or recovery. It also has a unique identifier number. It is designed to make travel between EU and EEA countries easier during the covid-19 pandemic, but do bear in mind that each country may have additional entry requirements which you will still need to check.
Travel vaccination requirements for South America
South America is a huge and varied travel destination, providing incredible holiday opportunities for the adventurous traveller. From the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, to the mountains of Peru, the landscapes and cultures of this continent are diverse and fascinating. Travel vaccination requirements vary too, and it is best to check the details of your trip with your healthcare provider. Here are some of the requirements for major South American destinations.
- Brazil
It is mandatory to present certificates of vaccinations against poliomyelitis for children between the ages of three months and six years. Those who have been in some countries up to three months before travelling to Brazil should present international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.
- Columbia
Yellow fever is also a risk in Colombia, with mosquitoes presenting a risk of malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Vaccination wise, yellow fever may well be required, especially for entry to high risk areas.
- Peru
Covid-19 restrictions in Peru have been strict and travellers will need to provide proof of covid-19 vaccination, as well as completing an Affidavit of Health. You may also need a Yellow Fever Certificate to travel in Peru.
Travel vaccination requirements for South East Asia
South East Asia is another amazing travel destination full of diversity. The eleven countries that make up the region present travellers with an incredible range of history and culture to explore. Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam all have varying vaccination requirements for travellers, but here are some of the most common.
Covid-19 – as with most areas of the world, covid-19 has proved an enormous challenge to health care systems, and as such, most south east Asian countries have precautions in place. Vaccination against covid-19 is a travel requirement for most countries.
Measles – there have been outbreaks in the Philippines, and travellers to the region are advised to be vaccinated against this disease.
Diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus and typhoid are all vaccinations that travellers to south east Asia should consider having. Those visiting Thailand should have these, and those who are particularly high risk should also get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.
Mexico
Travellers to Mexico should consider a range of vaccines including diphtheria, hepatitis A, rabies, tetanus and typhoid. Those who are especially vulnerable should also get the hepatitis B vaccine. A yellow fever certificate is not needed for travel to Mexico.
India
For those heading to India, vaccines for the following diseases are advised: diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Hepatitis B and rabies should also be considered, and those at high risk should also get cholera and Japanese encephalitis vaccines, according to your healthcare providers advice.
In many of the destinations listed above, there are issues such as malarial mosquitoes, which cannot be vaccinated against. It is important to remember that vaccinations cannot protect against all health issues, and you should consult your medical practitioner to make sure you have a comprehensive health plan in place before you travel.
Are you looking for travel vaccinations in Limerick?
If you are looking for travel vaccinations in Limerick, come to Roxboro Medical Centre. Our friendly team of medical professionals are here to provide you with all the expert advice you need to travel safely and with confidence. Whether you are travelling to multiple countries or making a short visit to a friend living abroad, we can give you all the information you need to make your trip a success.
Dr. O’Donoghue has a keen interest in Sports Medicine and has completed a Masters Degree in Sports and exercise medicine from University College Cork achieving an honours degree. He has also done additional training in Neurofunctional Acupuncture from McMaster University in Hamilton Canada. He has completed the FIFA Football Medicine Diploma and is a trained provider of the EMS Swiss Dolorclast method for ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy).