The holidays are approaching…
To avoid ruining them with health problems, it is advisable to consult your general practitioner before you go abroad.
Indeed, some destinations require adequate vaccinations. It is therefore important to check with your doctor, who will be able to check the status of your vaccination the one of your family at the same time.
Find out more… in time
If you are going to distant destinations (mainly outside Europe), make sure to consult the doctor 4 to 8 weeks before your departure. Indeed, some vaccines require several injections at defined intervals before they are effective.
In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry into their territory. This vaccine can only be carried out in approved centers, the ideal is to inquire with hospitals that have a “Travel Clinic”.
For children and the elderly: be vigilant
If you are travelling with infants or young children, consult the pediatrician beforehand. Some vaccines can be administered from birth (BCG, oral poliomyelitis vaccine, hepatitis B), but others can only be administered from a certain age (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, etc.). The pediatrician will also give you the necessary advice on the precautionary measures to be taken (he or she can also, if necessary, refer you to a travel clinic if the child needs vaccinations specific to a destination).
Older people need to be extra vigilant. It is not uncommon for some of them to have never been vaccinated as part of routine childhood immunization programs. In addition, the recommended boosters are not always followed and, as a result, these people are more vulnerable to more diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, etc.).
This being said, have a nice trip !
