Vaccinations...

Your travel health
Many travel destinations suggest or require that you are vaccinated against common local diseases.

Here's the low-down on what to do, when, and what to expect after you've had them.

Once you've chosen your trip, find out which diseases you should be immunised against. You could check out a site such as MASTA or NetDoctor. These sites have information on the vaccinations you should have, along with news of any reported recent or unusual disease outbreaks.

Or, call your GP's surgery and ask to speak to a nurse, who should be able to tell you what you'll need. Your local Post Office may also have leaflets on travel health.

It's best to have your vaccinations at least three months before you travel, although it's generally a case of better late than never. So, if you've booked a late deal, or need to travel at short notice, call your GP at once and s/he will be able to recommend the best course of action.

Where possible, it's not advisable to have all your injections in one go, as some should not be taken at the same time.

The most common vaccinations are hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and cholera. In more high risk areas, rabies, TB, hepatitis B, Japanese and tick borne encephalitis vaccinations may be recommended. Most can be administered by your own GP or nurse at the surgery. However, some vaccines can only be given by some GPs, while the more unusual vaccines may have to be obtained from a special travel centre. Your GP should be able to talk you through what's best.

Remember that some medication eg malaria tablets, must be taken for at least a week before your departure, for the duration of your trip and for a period of time after you return.

In addition, you must make sure that you are up to date with your tetanus and polio vaccinations, and if you are not - have a booster.

For mandatory vaccinations, make sure you get an international vaccination card, which has been signed and stamped, and take it with you on your holiday. Take a photocopy too and keep them both in a safe place.

You might feel a bit bruised and tender around the area of the injection, especially if you have had more than one at once, while some people report feeling a bit flu-ey in the following days. If you have any adverse reaction to the vaccinations, consult your GP immediately.