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The polio comeback risk remains because wild poliovirus still circulates in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while vaccine-derived outbreaks continue in several other countries. Global cases remain far below historic levels, but international spread is still possible. Travellers should check their polio vaccination history and destination-specific advice before departure.
Introduction
Polio has been reduced by more…
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The TBE vaccine usually involves a course of doses, with at least two injections needed before travel protection. A third dose supports longer-term protection, and boosters may be needed for ongoing risk. The schedule depends on age, timing, destination and how soon you travel.
Introduction
Tick-borne encephalitis, known as TBE, is a viral infection…
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The TBE jab may be recommended if you are travelling to a tick-borne encephalitis risk area and planning outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, fieldwork, farming, hunting or staying in forests or rural locations. Short city-only trips are usually lower risk, but outdoor exposure can change the advice.
Introduction
Tick-borne encephalitis, often called…
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The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is mainly considered for travellers visiting rural, agricultural or outbreak-risk areas in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Short urban trips are usually lower risk, but vaccination may be advised for longer stays, rural travel, outdoor activities, night-time exposure or uncertain itineraries.
Introduction
Japanese Encephalitis, often called JE, is…
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A yellow fever certificate, officially called an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, proves you have received yellow fever vaccination. Under IHR 2005, the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid for life. Some countries may require it before entry, especially after travel through yellow-fever-risk areas.
Introduction
If you are travelling…
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Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is given before travel to reduce risk and simplify treatment if an animal bite happens abroad. Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given urgently after a bite, scratch or saliva exposure. Even if you had pre-travel rabies vaccines, you still need medical care after possible exposure.
Introduction
Rabies is a serious travel-health risk…
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Meningococcal strains are different groups of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. The letters, such as A, B, C, W and Y, identify different serogroups. Some vaccines protect against one strain, while MenACWY protects against four important travel-related strains.
Introduction
If you have heard about meningitis vaccines, you may have noticed…
Quick Answer The Hep B vaccine helps your immune system recognise and fight hepatitis B, a virus that can cause serious liver infection. A full vaccine course gives long-lasting protection for most healthy people. Travellers may need it if visiting higher-risk countries or if they may be exposed to blood or body fluids abroad. Hepatitis…
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You may need a DTP booster before travel if you are visiting an area where diphtheria, tetanus or polio may be a risk and your last vaccine dose was more than 10 years ago. A travel-health consultation can check your vaccination history and confirm whether a booster is recommended.
Before travelling abroad, many people…
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Hepatitis A vaccination helps protect travellers from a contagious liver infection spread mainly through contaminated food, water or close contact. It is not only for backpackers or remote travellers. If you are visiting a country where hepatitis A is more common, a travel-health assessment can confirm whether vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A is one…
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Travel-related occupational health helps employees, contractors, volunteers and self-employed professionals prepare safely for overseas work. It considers the traveller’s health, destination, job duties, vaccinations, malaria risk, medicines and access to healthcare. Good preparation can prevent illness, protect wellbeing and reduce avoidable disruption during an international assignment.
Travelling abroad for work involves more than booking…
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Malaria is not confined to Africa. Travellers may also face risk in parts of Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Pacific. Because risk can vary within the same country, travellers should obtain itinerary-specific advice, prevent mosquito bites and take prescribed antimalarial medicine correctly.
Malaria is often associated with…