BHI Travel Health Cork

• Travel advice
• Before you leave
• List of travel vaccines
• Long-haul flights
• Water hygiene
• Food-borne diseases
• Malaria
• Protection against insect bites
• Altitude sickness
• Sun exposure
• Swimming
• Rabies
• HIV and STDs
• When you return

List of travel vaccines

There are many different types of potential diseases all around the world, and so naturally there are many different types of vaccine available. Here is a list of the more common vaccines. For more detailed advice on the range of vaccines that you might need for your forthcoming trip, please contact us.

• Yellow Fever: A viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. The disease causes fever and jaundice and may be fatal. There is no treatment. It occurs in parts of Africa and South America and the Yellow Fever vaccination may be an entry requirement for some countries. The vaccine is very effective and one injection gives protection for 10 years. It is a LIVE vaccine.
• Tetanus: A bacterial infection occurring throughout the world. The bacteria enters the body through wounds and release a toxin that causes paralysis and potentially death. The vaccine is routinely given to infants at birth and the course consists of 3 doses over 3 months. Boosters should be given every 10 years but no more than five injections are required in a lifetime. Part of 3-in-1 vaccine comprising tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis.
• Poliomyelitis: A viral illness contracted by ingesting food or water contaminated with sewerage. It is now rare in developed nations but exists in some underdeveloped or developing countries. It can cause paralysis. The vaccine is part of the 3-in-1 vaccine.
• Diphtheria: A bacterial disease transmitted by respiratory route (coughing) and can lead to severe throat infection and potentially life threatening breathing difficulties. It is treatable with antibiotics. The primary course of vaccine consists of three doses, with booster every 10 years. Part of 3-in-1 vaccine.
• Typhoid: A bacterial disease spread by contaminated food and water. It causes fever, headaches, abdominal pains, diarrhoea. It cab be treated with antibiotics. The vaccine lasts for three years.
• Hepatitis A: A viral illness transmitted by contaminated food and water. It is usually not fatal but can cause jaundice and liver problem. The vaccine offers protection for 12 months and a booster at six- to twelve-months will give long term protection.
• Hepatitis B: A viral illness prevalent in Africa, Asia, South and Central America and some parts of Europe. It is spread through blood (including blood transfusion) and sexual contact and it can be passed to infants during pregnancy. It causes jaundice and may lead to chronic liver disease with death from cirrhosis. The HepB vaccine is highly effective and safe. Usual course consists of three doses given over six months. Accelerated course can be given over 28 days with a booster after one year.
• Rabies: A viral disease occurring throughout the world. It is transmitted to humans from a bite, lick or scratch from an infected warm blood animal. It causes a fatal inflammation of the brain. There is no cure. Post exposure treatment will prevent the disease if started within 24 hours. Travellers to remote destinations or those planning extensive trekking should be vaccinated against rabies. Even with vaccination, post exposure treatment is still required but a simplified regime will be sufficient. A course of pre-exposure rabies vaccination comprises three doses given over 28 days. A booster is recommended every three years.
• Meningococcal Meningitis: The vaccine offers protection against some of the more common forms of meningitis. A booster is required every three years.
• Japanese B Encephalitis: A viral illness transmitted by mosquito bites. Occurs mainly in the rural parts of South East Asia during the monsoon season. The disease causes inflammation of the brain. The primary course of vaccination consists of three doses given over one month, with a booster after one year and then three-yearly.
• Tick Borne Encephalitis: A viral infection spread by bites from infected ticks in the forested areas of Europe, the former Soviet Union and Asia. It affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The vaccine is two doses given over one month with booster every year.