Importance of getting travel vaccinations
More and more people are travelling to Thailand (vacation or work) with affordable packages and flights widely offered today. This is one of the most exciting adventures you can have in your entire life; but apart from passport and travel bag, you also need to consider having vaccination. There are diseases which have been wiped out in some well known countries but not in others. Measles vaccine for an instance is given to Americans since it’s considered as detrimental to one’s health, but this practice is not applied to other countries.
Many regularly travellers to Thailand can visit without having an injection, or they are comfortable with the risks, but for first time holidaymakers and backpackers, an injection or jab against diseases is highly recommended. Not just for extra health protection – but also for peace of mind.
Due to the nature of difference in every country, it’s essential to seek advice from a medical professional and get vaccinated for specific ailments before leaving. The major objective of this vaccination is to protect yourself and other people from health hazards. Similar to the annual flu vaccine taken by most individuals, there are illnesses which CDC and other countries’ governmental health agency require travelers to be vaccinated before entering their country. The said boosters and vaccinations are given to protect individuals from acquiring detrimental ailments which are commonly found in the country.
Common Types of Vaccines you need before travelling to Thailand
- Routine Vaccines: Having up to date routine vaccines is essential before you leave, this includes diphtheria tetanus pertussis vaccine, measles mumps rubella vaccine, yearly flu shot, varicella vaccine and polio vaccine.
- Hepatitis A: CDC suggested this vaccine since Hepatitis A can be obtain through contaminated water or food in Thailand; regardless if where you’re staying or eating.
- Typhoid: You can suffer from this illness through contaminated water and food in Thailand, it’s essential to get vaccine especially if you’re staying with your relatives or friends, if you’re an adventurous eater or visiting rural areas or smaller cities.
- Hepatitis B: This illness can be obtain through contaminated needles, blood products and sexual contact, CDC highly recommended having hepatitis B vaccine if you think that you will be having sex with new partner, have medical procedures or get piercing or tattoo.
- Japanese Encephalitis: If your trip will last over a month, you must consider having this vaccine. This will keep you safe and protected if you’re planning to spend lots of time outdoors or planning to visit rural areas. Make sure to consult your doctor since they will be the one to decide if this Japanese Encephalitis is right for you. Their decision usually depends on your travel plan.
- Yellow Fever: Even if there is no threat of yellow fever in the country, the government requires evidence of vaccination if you will arrive at their country with yellow fever risk.
Vaccination Procedures
Before leaving the country, make sure to visit your doctor and seek advice on possible boosters and vaccinations you need before the trip. He/she will study your medical history and travel plan to have clear view of what you need specifically. Your doctor will consider your health, age, previous vaccinations, booster shots, travel destination and time of the year you’re travelling. These elements will aid in determining the need for specific vaccination. Typhoid fever, rabies and Japanese Encephalitis are the common vaccinations required before travelling.
Cost of vaccinations
The cost of vaccinations varies between countries. In the UK, they are free as injections and inoculations are provided by the National Health Service (NHS). But other countries that have different private health care systems are likely to charge. Check the cost of the vaccine first.
