Why Vaccinate?

Getting vaccinated is considered to be one of the most important things we can do in order to protect ourselves and our families against ill health. Did you know that vaccines prevent up to 3 million worldwide deaths every year! In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed ‘vaccine hesitancy’ as one of the biggest threats to global health. The importance of getting inoculated has never been more important. Since vaccines were introduced in the UK diseases such as smallpox, polio, and tetanus that use to disable or even kill millions of people are either gone or now only occasionally seen.

Why are vaccinations required?

Vaccines protect travellers from serious diseases. Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the UK, like yellow fever and Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY. Some vaccines may also be required for you to travel to certain places like going on a pilgrimage to Hajj and Umrah.

Getting vaccinated will help keep you safe and healthy while you’re traveling. It will also help make sure that you don’t bring any serious diseases home to your family, friends, and community.

Once a person is vaccinated against a disease their body can fight the disease off better. Being immunised protects the person and others around them from infection. This is called herd immunity.

If a person is not vaccinated they are at a higher risk of catching a disease and becoming very ill from the disease.

Which vaccines do I need before travelling?

The vaccines you need to get before traveling will depend on few things, including:

  • Where you plan to travel . Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases,
    like yellow fever or Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY (for Hajj and Umrah).
    Travelling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases,
    which means you might need more vaccines before you visit. You can learn more about the vaccinations you
    require by visiting our destinations sections by clicking here.
  • Your health . If you’re pregnant or have an on-going illness or weakened immune system,
    you may also need additional vaccines.
  • the vaccinations you’ve already had.
    It’s important to be up to date on your routine vaccinations.
    While diseases like measles are rare in the UK, they are more common in other countries.

How far in advance should I get vaccinated before travelling?

It’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re travelling. It will also ensure there’s enough time for you to get vaccines that require multiple doses. Click here to see time guideline for your upcoming destination visit.

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