Travel jabs

Prior to embarking on a round the world trip, there's travel jabs to think about. The last immunisations I had was back in school(a few years ago). First things first I needed a consultation with the travel clinic (if you mention travel jabs to your GP they instantly boot you out the door) anyways first meeting £20 poorer and a list of jabs the length of your arm. Personally I have an aversion to needles more so when you have to pay for the pleasure.

Here’s a breakdown of what is needed for travel to Malawi, Mozambique and a long stay in Northern Thailand(5 Months).

Travel Jabs

• Rabies x3 jabs you need 3 jabs with intervals of a week £15 per jab
• Japanese Encephalitis x2 jabs £35 per jab
• Hepatitis A 1x jab £35
• Hepatitis B x 3 jabs £28 per jab
• Polio – free from the NHS woohoo
• Diphtheria / tetanus – free from the NHS
• Typhoid still to get this one

The only one i didnt seem to need was a yellow fever jab, although you have keep an eye on this depending on where you go in Africa. No side effects to report, bit of a sore arm, you may get some funny looks if you go swimming, lots of needle marks and bruises in your arm? Tends to look a bit dodgy, unless your nearest swimming pool is in Leith.

And that’s about it for travel jabs, you still need anti malarial pills I’ve opted for doxycycline (6 months worth), there are couple of options for malaria pills but this seems most commonly used with very few side effects (You may become more sensitive to the sun) its also used as an antibiotic so will help you out with little cuts etc and any other dodgy bugs you pick up along the way. They can be purchased either 40p per tab from the travel clinic or if you sweet talk your GP you can get a prescription and shop around for them, Sainsbury’s seems pretty good 30p per tab I’ve heard asda is good also but not confirmed.

Grand total
Travel Jabs £234
Malaria pills £70

Travel Jabs Related links

Yellow fever
Info about travel jabs with clickable map
World Health Organization travel page
Information on malaria and its prevention as well as general travel health advice.
Bird Flu - HN51 information