Travel Vaccination For Busy People

Before you leave on your next trip, why not take a moment to check if you are up to date with your travel vaccinations and enjoy worry-free travel? Dr Sarah Packer and Dr Jack Lee at Katong Family Clinic are happy to discuss your travel plans in advance and will be able to advise you how best to maintain good health throughout your trip. 
    
What vaccines do I need?

This depends on where you will be going and the activities you will be doing. You should make sure you are up-to-date with routine vaccines before every trip. In Singapore, routine jabs include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), varicella (chickenpox), polio, hepatitis B and influenza vaccines. Additional vaccines might be required depending on the location and planned activities of your travel:

Typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Vaccination is recommended for most travelers visiting at risk areas, especially if staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. Boosters are needed every 2-3 years.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease spread by contaminated food and water, or from an infected person. Two doses of vaccine 6 months apart are needed. Boosters are not normally required.

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine may be needed if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in high risk regions, even for shorter trips.  A doctor can help you decide if it is necessary based on your travel plans.

Malaria. Prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip may be necessary to prevent malaria. Talk to us at Katong Family Clinic about how you can prevent malaria while travelling.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals. Activities that carry high risk where rabies is transmitted include camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving, as well as working with animals which increases the risk for animal bites. Even if you have the vaccine, treatment for rabies is needed if you are bitten by an infected animal.

Yellow Fever and Meningococcal Vaccine may be necessary for certain locations.

It’s a good idea to discuss your travel plans well in advance as some vaccinations require several doses in the schedule. Do contact us at Katong Family Clinic to book an appointment.