Travel Vaccinations
Why Should My Child Get Travel Vaccinations?
It is important and helpful for parents travelling with young children to safeguard their children overseas, and this includes taking measures to update their routine childhood vaccinations and give the appropriate travel-specific vaccines. Children are exposed to similar health risks as adults when travelling. However, they may suffer more serious consequences as their immune systems may be weaker and less developed.
What Should I Take Note Of?
If you are planning to travel with young children, complete your child’s travel vaccinations between 4 to 6 weeks before departure, depending on the type of vaccine. Some vaccines can be taken on an accelerated schedule.
What Should My Child Get Vaccinated For?
Depending on your travel destination, type of holiday and anticipated activities, your child’s paediatrician can advise on the required or recommended travel vaccinations. There are several common vaccine-preventable infectious diseases that can be spread overseas through contaminated food, water or animals. Infectious diseases may also be more common when travelling to rural areas or less developed countries. These include:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Influenza
- Meningococcal
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
- Rabies
To learn more on the recommended travel vaccinations and infectious diseases acquired overseas, read our article on Travel Vaccines for Children by Dr Mas Suhaila Isa.