Travel Vaccines

Why are travel vaccinations important?

When you visit a foreign country, especially one with exotic locations, you may come into contact with pathogens that your body is not immune to. This lack of immunity can lead to infections and diseases such as Hepatitis A or Yellow Fever, which can cause severe illness or even be fatal. By receiving the appropriate vaccinations before your trip, you can develop protection against these diseases. This is crucial because some of these illnesses can be life- threatening.

How do travel vaccines work?

Travel vaccines function in similar ways, regardless of the specific disease they target. There are various types of vaccines available, each providing immunity against different diseases. Essentially, you are injected with a solution that mimics the invading pathogen of the disease. This stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, which are white blood cells designed to fight off the specific infection. Therefore, if you ever come into contact with the bacteria or virus, your immune system will eliminate it before it can harm you.

It is recommended to receive vaccinations at least 21 days before your travel (and longer for certain vaccines like Rabies) to allow your body enough time to produce the necessary antibodies for maximum protection.