Travel

Holiday destinations you should get vaccinations for including Turkey and Tunisia


BEFORE you head abroad this summer, you should make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date – even if you’re not going anywhere exotic.

Because even popular holiday destinations like Australia, Dubai and Mexico have hazards that could leave you with a life-threatening illness.

 Brits heading on holiday this year should check what vaccinations they need first

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Brits heading on holiday this year should check what vaccinations they need firstCredit: Getty – Contributor

Both long haul and short haul trips may require vaccinations.

And even if you have had some jabs before, or when you were a child, you could still need booster jabs.

According to Boots pharmacist Janky Raja, holidaymakers should get health advice “six to eight weeks” before they travel.

Here, she tells Sun Online Travel which popular holiday spots need vaccinations and what you need to be aware of:

 Some holiday destinations such as Mexico and Dubai have vaccination advisories

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Some holiday destinations such as Mexico and Dubai have vaccination advisoriesCredit: Alamy

Turkey

Contaminated food and water is a problem in some areas in Turkey where sanitation is poor.

Vaccinations you need to keep topped up include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus.

It is also advisable to get a rabies vaccination due to the risk from the wild animal population.

Spain

Brits heading to Spain can be rest assured that no additional vaccinations are needed.

It is recommended to get a tetanus booster, however, in case of any open cuts and wounds that could be contaminated with the tetanus toxin.


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Tunisia

Package holidays to Tunisia are at bargain prices right now, but there are a number of jabs to consider before heading abroad.

Hepatitis A and tetanus are advised, along with hepatitis B jabs.

Typhoid vaccinations are also recommended as it can be contracted through water.

Greece

There are generally no vaccinations needed for Greece, although keeping the tetanus vaccine topped up is recommended.

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However, there’s been a rise in West Nile virus in the country in recent years, and Brits have been warned to be vigilant.

UAE

Dubai is one of the most popular holiday locations for Brits looking for some winter sun.

Even in December, it boasts temperatures up to 26 degrees.

However, you may need a jab for diphtheria – which needs to be boosted every 10 years along with the tetanus jab – to prevent the fatal infection, which affects the nose and throat.

It is also advisable to get hepatitis A and B jabs, as the illness can be caught from drinking contaminated water or dirty food.

 Just because you're in a holiday resort doesn't mean you are protected from potential illness and viruses

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Just because you’re in a holiday resort doesn’t mean you are protected from potential illness and virusesCredit: Getty – Contributor

Morocco

Cheap flights to Marrakech will be tempting for British tourists who want a quick getaway to somewhere with better weather.

Along with tetanus boosters, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines, it is also advised to get a rabies booster or vaccine.

This gives additional protection against any scratches or bites from wild animals in the country.

British tourist Omar Zouhri died in Morocco last year after he was bitten by a cat with rabies, after receiving the life-saving jab too late.

Typhoid vaccines should also be considered as it can be spread through contaminated food and drink.


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Australia

While the country doesn’t generally need any jabs, dengue fever is found in the country.

Spread by mosquitoes, it can cause a fever and muscle pain – so it is advisable to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Mexico

Cancun and Tulum are popular package holiday destinations, with direct flights from the UK.

Vaccinations that should be up to date include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, rabies, tetanus and typhoid.

There is also a low risk of malaria so covering up and having insect repellents is advised.

How much do travel vaccinations cost?

Not all vaccinations are free on the NHS and have different costs depending on what they are:

  • Combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio: free (one jab)
  • Typhoid: free (one jab)
  • Hepatitis A: free (one jab)
  • Hepatitis B: £48 each (three jabs)
  • Rabies: £60 each (three jabs)

Hepatitis B is free if included in the Combined Hepatitis A jab on the NHS.

Private travel clinics may charge for all vaccinations, even if they are free on the NHS.

Kids in the UK receive free vaccinations on the NHS.

This includes the MMR jab (for measles, mumps and rubella), a 4-in-1 booster for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio, as well as the HPV vaccination for young girls.

Earlier this year, Disney World issued a rabies alert after two members of staff were bitten by a rabid cat.





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