Travelling with young children can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to health and safety. One important aspect that families should not overlook is ensuring their children have the necessary travel vaccinations. Here’s what you need to know to keep your little ones safe on your adventures abroad.
1. Plan Well in Advance
Some travel vaccines need to be given weeks or even months before departure to be fully effective. As soon as you start planning your trip, check vaccination requirements for your destination. A visit to your GP or a TMV travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure is recommended.
2. Know the Required and Recommended Vaccines
Each country has its own health risks, and certain vaccines may be required for entry or highly recommended for protection. Some common travel vaccines for children include:
- Hepatitis A & B – Often recommended for many travel destinations, especially in regions with poor sanitation. Children born in Ireland since mid-2008 may already be covered against Hepatitis B.
- Typhoid – Important if travelling to areas with limited access to clean water or for families with more adventurous dietary plans!
- Rabies – Considered if you’ll be in remote areas where access to medical care is limited but always keep on an eye on all children to avoid any animal contact
- Yellow Fever – Recommended or required for entry into some countries, particularly in Africa and South America.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Needed for extended stays in rural parts of Asia.
- Meningococcal Meningitis – Required for certain areas, particularly for religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. Teenagers may already be covered from a recent school vaccine.
3. Check Routine Childhood Vaccinations
Ensure your child’s routine vaccinations, such as MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), and Polio, are up to date. Outbreaks of diseases like measles are still common in some parts of the world.
4. Consider the Risk Factors
Assess the risks based on:
- The destination (urban vs rural areas)
- The season (monsoon increases mosquito-borne diseases)
- The planned activities (wildlife encounters, petting farms, hiking, etc.)
- The availability of medical care at your destination
5. Be Prepared for Side Effects
Though serious side effects are rare, occasionally vaccines may have mild side effects, such as fever or soreness at the injection site. Plan for a quiet day after vaccinations and pack essential medicines like paracetamol to manage any discomfort.
6. Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
For areas where malaria is a risk, check if anti-malarial medication is necessary for your child. Additionally, use mosquito repellents, bed nets, and protective clothing to minimise the risk of bites.
7. Carry Vaccination Records
Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, especially for Yellow Fever or Meningitis for Saudi Arabia. Carry your child’s vaccination records in your travel documents to avoid any complications at border control. It is worth having the child’s birth certificate available also
8. Hygiene and Preventative Measures
Vaccinations are just one part of staying healthy while travelling. Teach your children good hygiene habits like washing hands before eating, avoiding street food, and drinking or even brushing teeth with only bottled or purified water.
When travelling with young children, their health and safety should always be a top priority. By planning ahead and ensuring they have the right vaccinations, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Safe travels!