Travel Clinic in Oxford
Same day travel vaccinations and advice from expert clinicians so you and your family can travel safely.
Travel Vaccinations
Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infectious disease spread by the bite of an infected tick. Risk of TBE is low to travelers unless extensive outdoor activities are planned in forested regions of countries where TBE is prevalent. A vaccination is available and should be started ideally at least 1 month before intended travel.
Cholera is a bacterial infection found in countries with poor sanitation and inadequate food and water hygiene. The risk of cholera to most travelers is low if proper food and water hygiene precautions are followed. There is a vaccine available for those going to work or live in outbreak areas.
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes; as such insect bite avoidance is essential. Although the mosquitoes are found in all warm climates, yellow fever has only occurred in Africa and South America. Due to the seriousness of the disease some countries require a yellow fever certificate from travelers as a condition of entry to their country. A single vaccination and certificate now lasts for a lifetime for most people and is available only at registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.
Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections in travelers. It is usually spread person-to-person by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infectious person. It is common in countries where sanitary conditions are poor and safety of drinking water is not adequately controlled. Hepatitis A can be prevented by having the pre-travel vaccination and eating ‘safe’ food and drinking ‘safe’ water.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can affect the liver. and spread through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person e.g. close family contact, dirty needles, reusing razors, piercings and tattoos, unprotected sex , blood transfusion etc. The vaccine is against Hepatitis B is highly effective but does require several doses to become effective.
Malaria is a life-threating illness caused by parasites which infect red blood cells. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of female mosquitoes. If travelling into an area where there is a risk of malaria then it is important to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and take antimalarials.
Polio is a viral infection usually spread through contaminated food and water. Although it has been eradicated from most of the world but still circulates in many developing countries. Boosters are recommended at 10 years intervals if travelling to an endemic country.
Rabies is serious life threatening illness caused by a virus which is carried in the saliva of infected mammals. It is spread by a bite, although licks on open wounds and scratches may also cause transmission of the virus. Rabies vaccination requires several doses to become effective so this course should be planned in advance of travel.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) are highly infectious viral illnesses which can easily be spread between unvaccinated people. The virus is spread by the respiratory route via coughing, sneezing etc. The disease is present globally and therefore could be a risk to all travelers. It is important to ensure 2 doses of MMR were received in childhood, otherwise the vaccine is recommended.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection acquired through consumption of water or food that has been contaminated by feces. The disease is prevalent worldwide and is associated with poor sanitation and contaminated food and water supplies. The disease can be preventing by eating ‘safe’ food and drinking ‘safe’ water in addition to the pre-travel vaccination.
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that can affect the brain. It is spread through direct person-to-person contact and through inhaling infected droplets.Travelers to classic meningitis-prone areas such as sub-Saharan Africa should consider the ACWY vaccine. The ACWY vaccine is also mandatory for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah.
Diphtheria is a upper respiratory tract illness. Although the disease occurs worldwide it is especially prevalent in developing countries and travelers are at risk if they mix with the local population in most of the developing countries. The vaccine is recommended every 10 years for travel to many destinations.
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria and occurs worldwide but especially prevalent in resource-poor countries. The bacteria are usually found in the soil and enter through breaks in the skin. Travelers should ensure they have had a tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years before they travel.
Japanese Encephalitis is a infection caused by the bite of a mosquito and prevalent is Asia. Preventing mosquito bites is vital. The risk to travelers is very low especially if visiting urban areas. However, the risk increases by those intending to spend significant length of time in rural areas. The vaccine requires 2 doses and so should be started in advance of travel.
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