Getting Vaccinated Before Travelling

Don’t leave home without protection.

Many of us love to travel, be it for work, holiday, studying abroad or migrating. Often we look forward to a change of scenery and new experiences. Unfortunately, travelling also increases the risk of falling ill.

Certain infectious diseases may be common in the places you visit. In addition, conditions may not be as sanitary as they should. Even the food and drinks you consume may not be safe and hygienic.

So, for your next trip, don’t just think of planning your itinerary, booking your hotel, buying insurance and packing for the big day. Make an appointment with your doctor and get your shots. Bon voyage!

TOURISTS

Influenza (Flu)

• Vaccination is associated with a 71% – 77% reduction in hospitalisation.
• Yearly vaccination is recommended because the virus is constantly changing.
  Pneumococcal Disease (PnD)
• 90% of invasive PnD occur in adults.
• Vaccination causes a 70% reduction in risk of severe PnD.

FOODIE

Typhoid Fever

• Caused by Salmonella typhi (bacteria) that can survive for days in fresh, pond or sea water, and for months in contaminated eggs and frozen oysters.
• 75% of cases are acquired while travelling.

Hepatitis A

• 1.4 million cases of Hep A are reported globally every year.

ADVENTURER

Yellow Fever

• Up to 50% of cases result in death.
• 90% of cases occur in Africa.

Japanese Encephalitis

• 20 – 30% of cases result in death.
• Vaccination recommended for extensive outdoor exposure in endemic areas (including East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah & Sarawak)

STUDENT STUDYING ABROAD

Students travelling abroad should check with their respective education institutions regarding specific vaccine requirements which are now mandatory. They usually include:

• Meningococcal disease
• Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

MUSLIM PILGRIMS

Pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah or Hajj are advised to be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Meningococcal disease (mandatory)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Influenza