Vaccinations

With the exception of yellow fever vaccination, which is an essential requirement for certain countries, vaccinations are not compulsory - it is up to you to decide what is appropriate for your circumstances. An aid worker going to a refuge camp in Africa for three months is more likely to require a rabies vaccination than a businessman spending three days in a well appointed hotel in the capital city. It has been estimated that the great majority of travellers illnesses are not preventable by vaccines - they are more likely to be avoided by adopting the types of measures outlined above, and by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene. Some vaccines are more effective than others - cholera vaccine gives very little protection, and is no longer recommended. Both the short and no longer term side effects of each vaccine need to be considered in marking your decisions.

If you prefer to have the recommended vaccinations, it is important to start the course well before travelling, and space the injections out so that your immune system has had a chance to recover before you go. Some travellers prefer to make sure that they are in good health before departure by ensuring a good diet, and plenty of exercise, and having constitution homeopathic treatment where appropriate.