Planning Immunisations

Most common immunisations require a single injection, some however need 3 injections. After an initial course, top ups or boosters are usually a single dose. 

It is usually safe to have all your immunisations on the same day. However, having more than two or three at a time and more than two or three a fortnight may make you feel under the weather. Once you have worked out what you need,  plan for not more than three every three weeks. In addition, it takes 2-3 weeks for full immunity to develop.

Polio and Yellow Fever immunisations are both given as weakened forms of the virus, rather than killed bacteria or viruses. These should not be given during pregnancy, or to people whose immunity is reduced, by for example steroid therapy, those who have had transplants or who are allergic to eggs. If there are contacts in the household with these conditions, hygienic precautions are necessary. If you need both Polio and Yellow Fever immunisation, they must either be given at the same time or separated by at least 3 weeks.

For further information about individual immunisations, go to Planning Immunisations

Preventing malaria

Drugs are not enough! if you are travelling in a malaria zone, then you also need to take practical measures to avoid being bitten. Moreover, you need to have all flu-like illnesses checked out. Click on Malaria prevention to find out more. 

Several different drugs and combinations of drugs can prevent malaria. These are available from pharmacies in the UK 

Information about specific countries

This link will take you to the American Centre for Disease Control where you can find which immunisations are recommended for each holiday destination. When you have finished, close the window to return to med4u.co.uk