THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS INTRAVEL VACCINATIONS
As travel to more exotic and distant destinations becomes easier and more popular, it is important as pharmacists to be well-versed in travel vaccinations to provide our patients with the best possible care before they embark on their trips abroad.
S
cottish Pharmacist has put together a short guide to explain the importance of getting vaccinated before traveling and
offer some practical advice that you can use as a resource in your practice.
What are travel vaccinations? Travel vaccinations are vaccines that are specifically designed to protect travellers from diseases that exist in certain parts of the world that are uncommon here. Travel vaccines are recommended for people who are travelling to countries where there is a high risk of contracting certain infectious diseases.
Why are travel vaccinations important? In addition to protecting individual travellers, travel vaccinations can also help prevent the spread of diseases from one country to another.
Who needs a travel vaccine? The vaccinations your patients may need will depend on several factors, including: • Age • Overall health and any other medical conditions they may have
• Where they are travelling to • The length of their trip • The activities they will be participating in while away
Some vaccines, such as those for yellow fever, meningococcal meningitis, and Japanese encephalitis, are required for entry into certain countries. Other vaccines, such as those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and rabies, are recommended for travellers to certain regions or for specific types of travel, such as backpacking or working in rural areas.
Plan ahead Here are some practical steps that your patients should consider ahead of travelling: • Travellers should consult with a healthcare provider, such as a pharmacist or a travel medicine specialist, to determine which vaccines they need based on their specific travel itinerary and health status.
• Some vaccines are available free on the NHS, however, there may be a charge for some recommended vaccines. This should be taken into consideration when planning and budgeting for travel.
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scottishpharmacist.com
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