It’s the season of planning, as people start looking at destinations to travel to for the summer months. For many, this may mark the first time young children accompany them on such adventures. Whether it’s the beaches, bustling cities, or serene national parks you’re headed to, thorough preparation is key — not just for your suitcases but also for your health.
One crucial aspect of travelling is maintaining health to enjoy the time away. This involves familiarizing yourself with the vaccination requirements of the different countries on your itinerary.
What to Know Before Travelling Abroad
Each country has its unique health risks and regulations. Rare or nonexistent diseases in your home country might be prevalent elsewhere. For instance, sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America destinations may require the yellow fever vaccine, while Eastern Europe does not. Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations as a condition of entry, so being immunized can facilitate your travel plans and prevent any unexpected hurdles.
Understanding Vaccine Requirements
Before jetting off to your destination, it’s important to research the vaccination requirements of your destination country and understand what your children, and even yourself, may need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), these are the most common vaccines recommended for international travel:
- Routine Vaccines: These are vaccines that you should receive as part of your regular immunization schedule, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), and influenza.
- Travel-Specific Vaccines: Depending on your destination and planned activities, you may need additional vaccines to protect against diseases found in certain regions, such as:
○ Hepatitis A and B: Common in many parts of the world, these vaccines protect against liver infections transmitted through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids.
○ Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water, and typhoid fever can cause severe illness. Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation.
○ Yellow Fever: Required for entry into certain countries in Africa and South America, the yellow fever vaccine protects against this mosquito-borne viral disease.
○ Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for travellers to rural areas of Asia, particularly during the transmission season, to prevent this mosquito-borne viral infection.
- Malaria Prophylaxis: In addition to vaccines, travellers to regions where malaria is endemic may need antimalarial medications to prevent infection. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause severe illness if left untreated.
To further understand requirements, it’s recommended to talk to your doctor and information about your travel plans so they can recommend a list of vaccines your family may need.
Best Time to Get Vaccinated
Ideally, families should receive their vaccines at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow sufficient vaccine administration and immune response time. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks, so early planning is essential.
During your pre-travel consultation, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, travel itinerary, and specific health concerns to recommend the appropriate vaccines and medications. They may also advise on other health precautions, such as food and water safety, insect bite prevention, and altitude sickness management.
Other Illnesses to Watch for
While vaccines are important to safeguard your health while travelling, parents need to be aware of other challenges for their children. From jet lag to motion sickness and diarrhea, children might experience several common issues their first time away from home.
Jet lag, which results from crossing time zones, can disrupt children’s sleep patterns and leave them feeling exhausted and disoriented. To help alleviate its effects, parents can try adjusting their children’s sleep schedules before the trip, ensuring they stay hydrated during the flight, and encouraging outdoor activities upon arrival to help reset their internal clocks.
Children may also experience discomfort during takeoff and landing, often due to pressure changes in their ears. Parents can help by encouraging swallowing, chewing gum, or, for infants, breastfeeding during these times. Travelling by plane can also trigger motion sickness in young children. Parents can prepare for this by providing light meals before travel, securing a window seat for outside views, and considering medication options if motion sickness persists.
Stomach problems like diarrhea are another common concern, especially for young children who may be more susceptible to dehydration. Parents should be cautious about their children’s food and water, opting for bottled water and well-cooked meals. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
International travel offers exciting opportunities for exploration and cultural exchange, but it’s essential to prioritize the health and safety of your children before heading out. Prioritizing vaccinations and preparing for potential illnesses equips you to journey with peace of mind.
Safe travels!
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