Travelling with children can be a rewarding experience, offering opportunities for family bonding and creating lasting memories. However, it also comes with its share of responsibilities, especially when it comes to safeguarding your child’s health. As you plan your family adventures, prioritising health considerations and ensuring children are up to date on their travel vaccines is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of health preparations for young travellers and delve into the significance of children’s travel vaccines.

Why Health Considerations Matter

When travelling with children, prioritising health considerations is paramount. Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to illnesses they may encounter while travelling. Exposure to new environments, different climates, and unfamiliar foods can pose health risks for young travellers. Additionally, long flights or extended periods of travel can increase the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases.

Key Health Considerations

Pre-Travel Health Assessment: Before embarking on your journey, schedule a visit with your paediatrician for a pre-travel health assessment. Discuss your travel plans and any specific health concerns related to your destination. Your paediatrician can provide valuable advice on preventive measures and necessary vaccinations based on the region you’ll be visiting.

Routine Immunisations: Ensure your child is up to date on routine immunisations according to the schedule recommended by health authorities. Routine vaccines protect against common childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis, providing a baseline level of protection regardless of your travel destination.

Destination-Specific Vaccines: Research the specific health risks associated with your destination. Certain regions may require additional vaccines or precautions against diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, or Japanese encephalitis. Your paediatrician or a travel health clinic can advise you on the necessary vaccines based on your itinerary.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: If you’re travelling to areas where mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus are prevalent, take appropriate measures to protect your child from mosquito bites. Use insect repellents recommended for children, dress them in long-sleeved clothing, and consider staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning.

Children’s Travel Vaccines

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases while travelling. Here are some commonly recommended travel vaccines for children:

Hepatitis A: This vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. It’s recommended to travel to regions with poor sanitation and hygiene standards.

Typhoid: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.

Yellow Fever: If you’re travelling to areas where yellow fever is endemic or required for entry, ensure your child receives the yellow fever vaccine. Some countries may require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry.

Meningococcal Disease: Meningococcal disease can cause serious illness, including meningitis, and is prevalent in certain regions, particularly during outbreaks. The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for travel to affected areas, especially during the dry season.

Japanese Encephalitis: This vaccine is recommended for travel to regions where Japanese encephalitis is endemic, particularly in rural areas with rice cultivation and pig farming.

Additional Precautions

In addition to vaccinations, there are other precautions you can take to ensure your child stays healthy while travelling:

Food and Water Safety: Be cautious about what your child eats and drinks while travelling. Stick to bottled or boiled water, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, especially in regions with poor sanitation.

Sun Protection: Protect your child from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen regularly and dressing them in protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating or after using the restroom, to prevent the spread of germs.

First Aid Kit: Pack a travel first aid kit with essential medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your child may need.

Book an Appointment

Travelling with children can be an enriching experience, but it’s essential to prioritise their health and safety every step of the way. By taking proactive measures such as scheduling pre-travel health assessments, ensuring routine immunisations are up to date, and obtaining destination-specific vaccines, you can minimise the risk of illness and enjoy a memorable journey with your family. Remember to consult with our pharmacists at our travel health clinic in Croydon well in advance of your trip to address any health concerns and ensure your child is adequately protected against preventable diseases. Happy travels!

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.