Planning a trip? If you’re between 27 and 64, there are some key vaccines you might need before you go jet-setting from the UK. Hepatitis A and B are must-haves for areas with dodgy sanitation. If you’re heading to rural Asia or Africa, think about Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever. Typhoid and Cholera are smart picks for places with less-than-perfect water, and Rabies is crucial if you might be around animals. Don’t forget about Meningococcal if you’re off to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Sub-Saharan Africa. Topping off your list, get a flu shot, keep up with your COVID-19 jabs, and consider boosters for Polio and MMR. Always chat with your GP or a travel clinic expert such as Oxford Travel Vaccination Centre to get personalised advice. Safe travels!
Influenza vaccine
No matter what age you are at, all adults need the influenza vaccination at least once a year. This virus keeps on changing every year while researchers try and predict the most common strain for the next season. This helps them in making changes to the vaccine every year. If you get the fly, it might even lead to death and hospitalization if it hits you severely. Seniors and older adults are the most vulnerable to these conditions. Getting this vaccine every year can reduce your risk of the influenza virus by 60%. Try to get this vaccination by October end since it takes up to two weeks to fully work.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Adults that are above the age of 65, or have certain risk factors such as chronic lung disease, lymphoma, or leukemia should get this vaccination at least twice a year. If you smoke a lot, this is also recommended for you. It is important to get your vaccinations done on time. Pneumonia kills almost 3000 people a year. It is quite dangerous and should be prevented by all means possible. People above the age of 65 are most likely to die from this disease. Getting this vaccine can help prevent adverse consequences.
Tdap vaccine and booster
This vaccine first came out in 2005 and offers protection not only against tetanus but also against whooping cough, and diphtheria. If you do not remember when was the last time you got this shot, it is probably time to get another one. Getting a Td booster is easy because this vaccine is good for at least ten years. It is important to protect yourself against whooping cough since there are a ton of cases every year. This vaccination can actually prevent disease in 8 out of 10 people who get it done.
Covid-19
In today’s world, the most important vaccine to get is the COVID-19 vaccination. If you get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, you will only need one shot. Other vaccines such as Pfizer and Covishield need two doses that are spaced apart. A booster shot is also required after a period of time if you want to protect yourself against the new variants that are coming up. More than 2.5 million people have died worldwide since this pandemic has begun.
It is important to stay up to date with your vaccinations in order to protect your health and immunity. Get a shot for whatever you missed out on.
Thank you for reading.
