Travel Vaccinations

Call us on 0207 4594 854 to make an appointment to see your private GP at Levitas Clinic

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (over 14 years)

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease which can be fatal if left untreated. It is generally spread by exhaled water droplets and occasionally through infected skin lesions. Travellers who are visiting developing countries and mixing closely with the local population are particularly at risk. Such travellers should therefore be sure they have had a Diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.

Anyone planning to travel should ensure they have had a Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years.

If contracted, Tetanus can lead to uncontrollable muscle spasms and can be fatal. The bacteria which causes tetanus can be found in soil all over the world, and is contracted when that bacteria gets into a small cut or wound.

Although now widely eradicated, Polio still exists in some African and Asian countries – and cases do still emerge worldwide.

The disease attacks the central nervous system and is usually spread through contaminated water and food.

For more information on Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is still a common disease in some developing countries, particularly where sanitation is poor and drinking water is untreated and unsafe. If contracted, the disease can incubate for as long as 3 – 5 weeks before any symptoms emerge.

It tends to be contracted by eating and drinking contaminated food or water, but can also be picked up from close physical contact with someone who is infected. Children tend to experience milder symptoms than adults, so can unwittingly pass it to others.

You can prevent your chances of catching Hepatitis A by having a pre-travel vaccination and ensuring the food and water you have whilst travelling is considered ‘safe’ for human consumption.

For more information on Hepatitis A and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Hepatitis A + Typhoid (16+)

Hepatitis A is still a common disease in some developing countries, particularly where sanitation is poor and drinking water is untreated and unsafe. If contracted, the disease can incubate for as long as 3 – 5 weeks before any symptoms emerge.

It tends to be contracted by eating and drinking contaminated food or water, but can also be picked up from close physical contact with someone who is infected. Children tend to experience milder symptoms than adults, so can unwittingly pass it to others.

You can prevent your chances of catching Hepatitis A by having a pre-travel vaccination and ensuring the food and water you have whilst travelling is considered ‘safe’ for human consumption.

Typhoid is still a common disease in countries where sanitation is poor, and there is no suitable sewage system. It is contracted through consumption of faecally contaminated food and water, so is predominantly found in areas where food preparation and hygiene is lacking. It is also possible to contract typhoid from eating shellfish or raw fruit and vegetables if they have been grown in what is referred to as ‘night soil’ (human waste).

If contracted, typhoid sufferers develop a fever as long as 1-3 weeks after initial infection. Left untreated, it can spread through the gut wall – leading to a much more serious infection. Typhoid is easily spread as bacteria can remain in the gut even after symptoms subside, meaning carriers may be unaware they are still contagious.

To prevent contracting typhoid, arrange for a pre-travel vaccination and ensure you eat and drink healthily whilst abroad.

For more information on Hepatitis A + Typhoid and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Hepatitis B Paediatric

Hepatitis B is generally more widespread in counties which are densely populated. In countries such as Asia, Africa and China, infection rates can exceed 8% of the population and it is estimated that approximately 350 million people are carriers worldwide.

Hepatitis B affects the liver, and in some cases leads to an increased risk of illnesses such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. It is 100 times more infective that HIV and is usually spread through unprotected sex or by blood (blood transfusion, tatoos and piercings, use of dirty needles etc), but also by bodily fluid.

Sufferers often experience mild symptoms to begin with, meaning it can easily go undetected. If left untreated, infected people may go on to be life-long carriers.

For more information on Hepatitis B and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Hepatitis B Accelerated regime (Adult over 18 years)

Hepatitis B is generally more widespread in counties which are densely populated. In countries such as Asia, Africa and China, infection rates can exceed 8% of the population and it is estimated that approximately 350 million people are carriers worldwide.

Hepatitis B affects the liver, and in some cases leads to an increased risk of illnesses such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. It is 100 times more infective that HIV and is usually spread through unprotected sex or by blood (blood transfusion, tatoos and piercings, use of dirty needles etc), but also by bodily fluid.

Sufferers often experience mild symptoms to begin with, meaning it can easily go undetected. If left untreated, infected people may go on to be life-long carriers.

For more information on Hepatitis B and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Hepatitis B (Adult standard regime)

Hepatitis B is generally more widespread in counties which are densely populated. In countries such as Asia, Africa and China, infection rates can exceed 8% of the population and it is estimated that approximately 350 million people are carriers worldwide.

Hepatitis B affects the liver, and in some cases leads to an increased risk of illnesses such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. It is 100 times more infective that HIV and is usually spread through unprotected sex or by blood (blood transfusion, tattoos and piercings, use of dirty needles etc), but also by bodily fluid.

Sufferers often experience mild symptoms to begin with, meaning it can easily go undetected. If left untreated, infected people may go on to be life-long carriers.

For more information on Hepatitis B and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Japanese Encephalitis (2 months – 3 years)

Japanese Encephalitis is a disease which is common in rural farming areas of Asia. It is most frequently contracted after sunset by a bite from an infected mosquito. Sufferers often only experience mild symptoms, but in rare cases it can lead to inflammation of the brain which can be fatal.

Generally, the risk to travellers is low. However, you should consider getting vaccinated if you plan on spending a significant time in rural areas, particularly if you are travelling during monsoon season.

For more information on Japanese Encephalitis and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Japanese Encephalitis (over 3 years)

Japanese Encephalitis is a disease which is common in rural farming areas of Asia. It is most frequently contracted after sunset by a bite from an infected mosquito. Sufferers often only experience mild symptoms, but in rare cases it can lead to inflammation of the brain which can be fatal.

Generally, the risk to travellers is low. However, you should consider getting vaccinated if you plan on spending a significant time in rural areas, particularly if you are travelling during monsoon season.

For more information on Japanese Encephalitis and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Meningitis ACWY

If you are travelling for an extended length of time and are mixing closely with the local population during a high risk season – it is worth considering getting vaccinated against meningitis strains A, C, W135 and Y.

A vaccine for these strains is now available and may be required if you are visiting Saudi Arabia.

For more information on Meningitis ACWY and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Rabies

Rabies is a very serious virus and is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths per year worldwide.

Rabies is most commonly contracted by a bite from an infected mammal, however, as the virus is carried on saliva – a lick to an open wound can be enough for transmission to take place. If contracted, the virus affects the nervous system and once symptoms develop death is inevitable, even with good medical care.

If you think you may have been exposed to the virus, it is important to treat the area properly by washing it thoroughly with soap and water, using an iodine based or high percentage alcohol antiseptic, and seek medical attention as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours.

For more information on Rabies and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Tick Born Encephalitis (child 1 year – 15 years)

Tick born encephalitis is spread by the bite of an infected tick. On rare occasions, it has also been contracted via unpasteurized milk from infected livestock.

Sufferers experience a flu-like illness and sometimes neurological complications. You can avoid your chances of tick bites by covering up and treating clothing with Permethrin, which is a tick killer. If you do get bitten, ticks should always be removed promptly.

If you are planning to spend prolonged periods of time walking, camping or working in wooded or grassy areas during the summer and autumn months – you may wish to consider vaccination.

For more information on Tick Born Encephalitis and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Typhoid (over 2 years old)

Typhoid is still a common disease in countries where sanitation is poor, and there is no suitable sewage system. It is contracted through consumption of faecally contaminated food and water, so is predominantly found in areas where food preparation and hygiene is lacking. It is also possible to contract typhoid from eating shellfish or raw fruit and vegetables if they have been grown in what is referred to as ‘night soil’ (human waste).

If contracted, typhoid sufferers develop a fever as long as 1-3 weeks after initial infection. Left untreated, it can spread through the gut wall – leading to a much more serious infection. Typhoid is easily spread as bacteria can remain in the gut even after symptoms subside, meaning carriers may be unaware they are still contagious.

To prevent contracting typhoid, arrange for a pre-travel vaccination and ensure you eat and drink healthily whilst abroad.

For more information on Typhoid and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx