Inject Some Sense into Holidays Abroad (From York Press)

Inject Some Sense into Holidays Abroad

5:44pm Sunday 3rd January 2010 in Travel Promotions

A recent survey has astonishingly shown that the majority of British tourists travelling abroad have no idea which destinations require vaccinations, and whether or not they should have them.

36% of those questioned couldn't recall when they last had any vaccinations, 31% knew they had been vaccinated, but couldn't remember what for, and an amazing 56% admitted to not knowing which countries they needed injections for.

Some people were also unaware that these jabs are free on the NHS. While no-one can be forced to have the vaccinations before travelling, the implication of catching infections and diseases whilst abroad does not bear thinking about.

The most common vaccinations for travellers visiting tropical countries or third world destinations are hepatitis, polio, typhoid, yellow fever and diphtheria, however there could be different ones depending on where you are travelling to.

Risk factors differ as to where you are staying and what you will be doing whilst there. Spending your holiday in a luxurious hotel will mean you are less likely to come into contact with infectious diseases than if you are travelling through mountain regions, deserts or going on safaris.

Many people have a fear of injections and therefore will always choose European destinations with low risk factors. Holidays to Ibiza, Benidorm, The Algarve or Tenerife for example, do not have any recommended vaccinations however it is worth remembering that the Hepatitis A virus is quickly spread through contaminated water and it may be worth having the inoculation just to be safe.

Malaria tablets are also recommended for parts of Asia and the Middle East, certain regions of Central and South America, and most areas of Africa,

Rachel Croft, Head of Post Office Travel Insurance, stated "It is worrying to see that so many of us are careless when it comes to checking whether vaccines or preventative medicines such as malaria tablets are recommended before visiting a destination".

It is always advisable that you ask your local GP exactly what you might need for the area you are travelling to including short haul destinations such as holidays to Ibiza. Travel insurance is always needed for holidays abroad, as this will protect you against loss of possessions, injury, accident and much more.