All important vaccinations on vacation at a glance. Depending on the travel destination, it makes sense to protect yourself adequately against various diseases. Special vaccinations, which entail immunization, are ideal for this. This in turn represents efficient prevention of sometimes life-threatening illnesses. Adequate and effective vaccination protection makes sense not only for long-planned travel trips but also for short-term or last-minute trips.
Vacation without vaccination is a risk
Many vaccinations are known from the legal requirements applicable in Germany. However, there are other pathogens and other threats abroad that are associated with different regional conditions. In addition to the so-called basic vaccinations, which are administered against tetanus, poliomyelitis, and poliomyelitis, additional vaccination protection is essential when traveling abroad. This fact applies mainly to countries located in the tropics. In view of the prevailing conditions there, for example, vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B as well as against yellow fever and typhoid arise.
What does the risk of the disease depend on?
Due to the geographic location alone, there are risks of infection in many countries that are of no importance in Europe. Such risks are initially based on the travel time, during which there may be a rainy or dry period in the destination area. In addition, the travel area itself decides on the possibility of infection. This often looks different in cities than in rural areas. There are also differences in the extent of the risk of infection for trekking companies or package tours. It is also important to remember that vaccination is not only required for long-distance travel but now also for travel to numerous European countries.
Not all vaccinations are important
In addition to hepatitis A and B and yellow fever, typical travel vaccinations include tick vaccinations, typhoid, malaria, and cholera vaccinations as well as rabies vaccinations. Don’t forget to vaccinate against pathogens that can trigger Japanese encephalitis.
Malaria protection
A malaria vaccination is usually usual for a stay in some southern countries of the USA, Africa, and Asia. In this context, it is not a question of a normal injection, but of medicinal prophylaxis that must be continued after returning home.
Prevention of Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis occurs predominantly in South and Southeast Asian countries. Double vaccinations are necessary for basic immunization. The second injection is given 28 days after the first vaccination. The date for the last prophylactic measure should be set no later than 7 days before the start of the trip. The vaccination protection can be extended by mosquito repellent products and long pieces of clothing.
The tick vaccination
This application is suitable for travelers to Switzerland, Austria, southern Germany, and Sweden. A total of three injections, which are always repeated after three years, are an effective safeguard.
Rabies protection is up to date again
Holiday trips that are planned to distant countries such as India, Southeast Asia, Africa, China, and South America should not be undertaken without adequate rabies vaccination protection. The dates for the triple vaccination are day 0, day 7, and day 21 or 28.
Timely immunization against cholera bacteria
Cholera is an extremely serious, sometimes fatal, intestinal disease. The bacterial germs that are known to be the causative triggers occur in sea and river water, in fish, seafood, undercooked food, and feces. Cholera vaccination is advisable when traveling to Africa and South America as well as to Asia as an oral vaccination one week before departure.
Typhoid vaccination can be life-saving
The disease typhoid still occurs in various regions of Africa, Latin, and South America, and Southeast Asia. A high risk of infection applies to all trekking and backpacking tourists who move to these areas. The administration of the painless oral vaccination is planned for at least ten days before departure.
Yellow fever is not to be underestimated
Holiday destinations predestined for yellow fever are mainly in Africa. Yellow fever is more prevalent in Rwanda, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Ghana. Effective yellow fever prevention is offered at specialized vaccination centers that are authorized to give these injections and that stock the appropriate vaccine. This vaccination should be completed at least 10 days before visiting the destination country.