Travel vaccinations
Why do we need immunisation?
The UK national immunisation programme has meant that dangerous diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and polio have effectively disappeared in the UK. But these diseases could come back – they and other serious diseases not found in the UK are still around in many countries throughout the world. That’s why it’s so important for you to protect yourself.
Listed below is a brief outline of the standard UK vaccinations followed by information on diseases for which travel vaccinations are available. The travel nurse specialist will be able to advise on whether your standard UK vaccinations are up to date and the most appropriate travel vaccinations at the time of your consultation.
Which vaccinations have I had?
Your parents may remember. Your family GP may have records. Your medical records may have the information. Your school may have records of vaccines given at school. It is always worth you having your own personal record of what immunisations you have had, in case records aren’t available. Most people who were born and spent their childhood in the UK will have had the following vaccinations, though the schedule has been altered in recent years as new vaccinations have been introduced, and immunisations such as Hib are only required to protect children when young.
DPT
DPT (diphtheria tetanus and pertussis [whooping cough]) 2,3, 4 months, 4 years and age 15 Polio. 2,3,4 months, 4 years and age 15. Meningitis C – three doses as a baby or one dose if older. MMR (measles mumps and rubella) introduced in 1988/9 – two doses required Hib (Haemophilus influenzae) – three doses as baby. BCG (Tuberculosis) Pneumococcus - one dose, introduced Sept 2006.
NB: If you have had all 5 childhood doses of: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio, then you are protected from these diseases for life in countries where the diseases have effectively disappeared. But when travelling to countries where the diseases are still endemic, it may be recommended that you receive a booster within the last 10 years.
Meningitis C
Meningitis C vaccine was introduced into the UK vaccine schedule in 1999. It is recommended that if you did not receive 3 doses as a small baby within the above schedule, that you have received 1 dose to protect you against this disease. It is still very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, as the vaccine does not protect against other strains.
HIB
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae) was introduced into the UK vaccine schedule in 1993. Hib vaccine is only recommended for the age group 2mths – 10yrs.
MMR
It’s particularly important to check that your MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation is up to date because some teenagers have not had two doses of MMR. MMR was introduced into the UK vaccine schedule in 1988/9 with a second dose being introduced in 1996. So, if you were born before 1992, you have probably only had one dose of MMR. If you think this applies to you, you should book an appointment for the second dose now. If you have never had the MMR vaccine, you should have one dose now and another three months later.
BCG (Tuberculosis)
BCG (Tuberculosis) vaccine recommendations changed in the UK in July 2005. You may well have already received a BCG vaccine between the ages of 10yrs-14yrs. Only one vaccine is recommended. The new UK government guidelines are:
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all babies living in areas where the incidence of TB is 40/100,000 or greater
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babies whose parents or grandparents have lived in a country with a TB prevalence of 40/100,000 or higher
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unvaccinated new immigrants from countries with a high TB prevalence
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal Vaccination is the most recently introduced childhood vaccine. It was incorporated into the childhood schedule in September 2006. It help prevent a certain type of pneumonia, though the bacteria can also cause blood poisoning (septicaemia) and meningitis. Some adults will also benefit from this vaccination including diabetics, those with heart disease and asthmatics.