Travelling with Children: Health Considerations & Children’s Travel Vaccines
At HMI Pharmacy in Kirkham, we understand that travelling with children can be both an exciting and challenging experience. Ensuring the health and safety of your little ones while exploring new destinations is a top priority for every parent. Our team is here to provide you with essential health considerations and information on children’s travel vaccines to help make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Health Considerations When Travelling with Children
Pre-Travel Health Check: Before embarking on any trip, it’s crucial to schedule a pre-travel health check for your children. This visit allows us to review their medical history, assess any existing health conditions, and ensure they are fit for travel. We can also provide guidance on any specific health risks associated with your destination.
Travel Vaccinations: One of the most important aspects of preparing for a trip is ensuring your children are up to date with their vaccinations. Some countries require specific vaccines for entry, and others may have higher risks of certain diseases that are preventable through vaccination.
Managing Common Travel-Related Ailments: Travel can expose children to various health issues, such as motion sickness, diarrhoea, and insect bites. Our pharmacists can recommend appropriate over-the-counter medications and remedies to manage these ailments. Packing a well-stocked first aid kit tailored to your child’s needs is also advisable.
Sun Protection: Protecting your child’s skin from harmful UV rays is essential, especially when travelling to sunny destinations. Ensure you pack high-SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Applying sunscreen regularly and seeking shade during peak sun hours can prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is vital for your child’s health during travel. Carry reusable water bottles and ensure your children drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot climates. Stick to familiar foods and avoid street food to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Children’s Travel Vaccines: What You Need to Know
Routine Vaccinations: Before travelling, ensure your child is up to date with routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), and polio. These vaccines are crucial for preventing diseases that can easily spread in new environments.
Destination-Specific Vaccinations
Depending on your travel destination, additional vaccines may be necessary. Some of the common travel vaccines for children include:
Hepatitis A and B: These vaccines protect against liver infections caused by the hepatitis A and B viruses. They are particularly important when travelling to areas with poor sanitation and high rates of hepatitis.
Typhoid: This vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a serious disease spread through contaminated food and water. It is recommended for travel to areas with a high risk of typhoid.
Yellow Fever: Some countries in Africa and South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. This vaccine is essential for protecting against the yellow fever virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
Rabies: If you’re travelling to areas where rabies is common and your itinerary includes activities like hiking or visiting rural areas, the rabies vaccine may be recommended.
Timing of Vaccinations
It’s important to plan vaccinations well in advance of your travel dates. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks, so start the vaccination process early to ensure your child is fully protected before departure.
Consult Our Pharmacists
Our knowledgeable pharmacists at HMI Pharmacy in Kirkham are here to provide personalised advice on children’s travel vaccines. We can help you determine which vaccines are necessary based on your destination and travel plans, and we’ll ensure your child’s vaccination schedule is up to date.
Book an Appointment
Travelling with children requires careful planning and consideration of their health needs. At HMI Pharmacy, we are dedicated to helping you prepare for a safe and healthy trip. By ensuring your child receives the necessary travel vaccines and following our health tips, you can focus on creating wonderful memories with your family.
For more information please contact us or schedule an appointment at our travel clinic below.
This blog was written on behalf of HMI Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.