• Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites and even fungi. For severe cases, it will require emergency antibiotic treatment to avoid complications and death.

The MenACWY vaccine is used to prevent several types of meningococcal diseases: A, B, C, W-135 and Y. Viral meningitis can be contagious and spread through direct contact of bodily fluids including saliva, mucus, and faeces.

It is recommended for all individuals aged 11 and above, including those with HIV infection and those who may require multiple doses of vaccine.2

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Mumps, measles and rubella are contagious illnesses caused by viruses from the Rubulavirus family. These diseases are highly contagious and can be spread by tiny droplets from the nose and mouth. Talking, coughing, sneezing, and even sharing items or touching objects with unwashed hands can spread to others especially towards vulnerable individuals with weaker immune systems.

The MMR vaccine is vital for travellers to ensure infectious disease management, particularly if they are visiting regions experiencing measles outbreaks. Routine immunisations are necessary as a full dose of MMR vaccine can be effective against these diseases. Travellers should also ensure they are up-to-date with the MMR vaccination to protect their health and prevent contributing to the spread of the diseases in affected areas.

If you are at high risk because of an outbreak, it is necessary to consult with your healthcare provider for an immunisation schedule as an additional dose may be needed.3

• Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.4 This is often spread through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva or mucus. Pneumococcal disease can affect people of any age group, but certain people are at increased risk. 

It is important to consider health and wellness during travel as pneumococcal infections can lead to health risks such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

The Pneumococcal vaccine offers critical protection for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Keeping up to date with vaccines is the best protection against pneumococcal disease.

• Polio

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis. It is often spread through contact with infected faeces, poor handwashing, as well as eating or drinking contaminated food or water.5

Travellers who are going to countries where polio is epidemic or endemic are required to take the polio vaccine as part of health precautions abroad. It is required to make sure you are fully vaccinated before departure. 

Unvaccinated adults should be given at least three doses of polio vaccine at recommended intervals:

• The first dose at any time
• The second dose 1 or 2 months later
• A third dose 6 to 12 months after the second dose6

It is encouraged to consult with your healthcare professional on travel health resources and requirements before visiting any country where there is increased risk of exposure to poliovirus. Some countries may require you to show proof of polio vaccination on your yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) upon departure.7

• Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that spreads through close contact with people who are infected with the varicella-zoster virus. It can cause uncomfortable red, bumpy rashes and blisters that will spread all over the body.

The Chickenpox vaccine is a healthcare essential for travellers due to potential exposure risks in regions where the disease is prevalent. It provides protection against infection, and will reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus during travel.  While chickenpox is more commonly seen in children, adults can also get chickenpox especially when they are unvaccinated. 

The chickenpox vaccine is over 90% effective8 at prevention and it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated especially if you never had chickenpox.

• Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease caused by a bite from a rabid animal.xx It can central nervous system and cause fatal inflammation to the brain and spinal cord. Without treatment, it can lead to brain disease and even death.

Travel health advisory recommends that travellers receive the rabies vaccine especially if they are visiting regions with possible animal exposure such as wildlife areas and stray animals. Rabies vaccination provides medical preparedness for travel as well as vital protection that will significantly reduce the risk of severe complications from the virus.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough

Diphtheria and whooping cough are diseases that affect the respiratory tract. They are both contracted easily by tiny droplets of saliva or mucus that can occur through coughing or sneezing which can infect persons nearby. 

On the other hand, tetanus is a serious disease caused by a toxin-producing bacteria that can cause damage to the central nervous system. It is not contagious, and it is usually caused by a cut or wound that is infected by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. When infected, it can lead to severe complications that can be life-threatening and incurable. 

Fortunately, there are combination vaccines such as the DPT vaccine or DTP vaccine that can protect you against these three diseases. The vaccine components include diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and either kill whole cells of the bacterium that causes pertussis or pertussis antigens.

Combination vaccines like these help protect against multiple diseases in one shot in order to prevent serious illnesses and enable you and your loved ones to travel safely.

• Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a severe infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi.5 It is usually spread through contaminated food or water or when someone with typhoid touches something you eat or drink without washing their hands. This type of bacteria can be life threatening when ingested as it can multiply and spread into the bloodstream.6

International health regulations recommend the typhoid vaccine for travellers, especially those visiting areas with a higher risk of contamination, particularly regions with inadequate sanitation and water quality. Typhoid vaccination offers crucial protection to you and your loved ones, to reduce the risk of infection and ensuring you can explore these destinations safely, and minimise complications from the disease.