The azure shade of the sea, the white of the sand, the deep green of the trees – all this attracts many tourists to the farthest corners of the world every year. However, apart from the will to travel, to learn about different nature and culture, there is a fear of getting sick. In the article below, you will find the most important information on how to protect your health during foreign trips.
Vaccinations before going abroad
The fear of getting sick on a trip abroad is justified, because in various parts of the world there are viruses and bacteria against which our European organism is not immune. In some parts of the world, the spread of infectious diseases can be favored by, inter alia, sanitary conditions or insufficient medical care. Therefore, a good solution (and sometimes a mandatory condition for departure) is to vaccinate against diseases popular in a given area.
Why is it worth getting vaccinated?
We may think that the precautionary measures we take will be sufficient and that we will not get infected while on vacation. The reality, however, often differs from our predictions. The vaccine against certain infectious diseases acts on our immune system and thus creates a natural barrier against dangerous viruses and bacteria. An additional advantage of vaccinations is their long duration of action.
When to get vaccinated before travel?
If you are planning a trip outside European countries, especially Asia, Africa, South and Central America, you should see a doctor 8 weeks before departure (the minimum time is 4 weeks, but it is worth doing it in advance). Information on compulsory and recommended vaccinations is available at any vaccination point.
Where to get vaccinated?
The World Health Organization has abolished the obligation to authorize vaccination points, so before leaving, we can get vaccinated in any facility offering such vaccinations. These are mainly sanitary and epidemiological stations and other specialized vaccination points located in each voivodeship and larger city. The addresses of the centers can be found on the website of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.
Mandatory vaccinations
The only compulsory vaccination, according to the international regulations in force, is vaccination against yellow fever (yellow fever). This vaccine should be given at least 10 days before departure. There is 1 subcutaneous dose and the immunity lasts for many years. The only contraindication to the administration is pregnancy, therefore pregnant women are not advised to travel to some tropical countries.
Vaccination is a condition for entry to some African and South American countries. Its absence may result in refusal to enter the country, compulsory vaccination or quarantine at your own expense.
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory in:
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Cameroon, Congo, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, St. Sao Tome and Principe.
In addition, some countries require travelers to have other vaccinations. Such countries include, for example, Saudi Arabia, where vaccination against meningococcal disease is mandatory. 1 dose of the vaccine is required, given at least two weeks before departure, immunity lasts for many years.
Vaccinations recommended
Consultation with a doctor should result in a list of vaccinations recommended for a trip to a given country. These vaccinations are determined according to many factors: the most important is the risk of a given disease in the place where we go, and individual factors, such as health status, including chronic diseases, are also important.
The most frequently recommended vaccinations are vaccines against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, typhoid, poliomyelitis and rabies.
When do you get vaccinated and how long does immunity last?
- Hepatitis A: vaccination from 2 to 4 weeks before departure, a booster dose is given within 6-12 months from the first vaccination; provides long-term resistance
- Hepatitis B: vaccination includes three doses according to the 0-1-6 month schedule, two doses should be taken 2 weeks before going abroad; immunity lasts up to 15 years
- Diphtheria, poliomyelitis and tetanus: vaccination provides immunity against three diseases and is the current vaccination for children and adolescents up to 19 years of age, vaccinated people are recommended to booster doses every 10 years, while unvaccinated should take basic vaccination
- Typhoid fever: vaccination is recommended at least one week before departure, this includes the administration of 1 intramuscular dose; immunity lasts for 3 years, after which time the vaccination must be repeated in the event of departure
- Rabies: at least 3 weeks before departure, 3 doses of the vaccination should be administered according to the 0-7-28 day schedule; provides 5-year immunity, after this period a booster dose should be taken
Remember!
Confirmation of vaccination is the International Vaccination Booklet (also known as the yellow booklet). You should have it with you throughout your journey. You can get the booklet from a vaccination center.
The risk of contamination is lower if you travel to tropical countries, but you will be staying in busy resorts, high-class hotels, and planning to navigate popular tourist routes. Nevertheless, it is worth reading the information on compulsory and recommended vaccinations.
