The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to UK holidaymakers, urging them to get vaccinated or risk being denied their holidays. The government department took to social media to caution those planning an autumn or winter break in the European Union.
A post from the official Foreign Office account reads: “Did you know? At least eight weeks before your trip, you should check the latest vaccination information for your destination, and see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page”. The NHS also warns that if you’re venturing outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against serious diseases prevalent in other parts of the world, such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
The health service advises: “If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before you’re due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.”
It further explains that certain travellers may be more susceptible to diseases, particularly if they’re backpacking, staying in hostels, camping, travelling in rural areas or embarking on a long trip rather than a package holiday. “If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness,” the NHS adds.
Certain countries demand evidence of vaccination, such as for polio or yellow fever, which must be recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or exit a country. It’s also worth noting that not all travel jabs are available free of charge on the NHS, even if they’re advised for travel to a specific region.
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