We caught up with Michelle Sellors, MASTA’s specialist nurse for travel health to find out how you can stay safe when you’re jet-setting
“Before going on honeymoon, it’s always a good idea to make sure you are up to date with the UK primary immunisation schedule. There are a number of factors that can influence what vaccines you might be recommended. This can include the time of year you are travelling, how long you are travelling for, and what activities you will be doing while on your honeymoon.
Most commonly advised is the Hepatitis A vaccine, but it’s crucial that you look into what is required for the country you are visiting. Here’s a guide for a few popular honeymoon hotspots:
- The Caribbean is generally lower risk for contracting vaccine-preventable diseases, however you should consider a typhoid jab if you are going off the beaten track with less control over your food and water hygiene.
- For destinations such as Bali and Thailand, we’d also consider a typhoid vaccine, as well as diphtheria, cholera, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
- Mexico is another popular location where you should think about a typhoid vaccine, but it’s also advisable to be protected against diphtheria, cholera and rabies – especially if you are being adventurous and travelling remotely.
- For all of these countries look into the Hepatitis B shot too.
In the first instance, chat with your GP or travel clinic about where you’ll be going on your honeymoon and what you plan on doing, as they can advise which vaccinations you should consider and other tips, such as being aware of Dengue Fever, Zika and Malaria and ways to reduce your risk.
Staying safe when travelling can be easily forgotten about amongst all the wedding preparations, but it’s hugely important. Ideally seek advice about your upcoming trip six to eight weeks before you depart. If your honeymoon is last minute, it is still worth making an appointment to chat about your options. The travel health nurse will be able to let you know about any health risks and if it’s not too late, ensure you have the proper protection.
Some vaccines are available from your GP, for example, tetanus and diphtheria are part of the UK immunisation schedule. For more uncommon diseases, MASTA can offer short-notice, evening and weekend appointments through its nationwide network.
MASTA Travel Health has an online Vaccine Checker which has the most up-to-date recommendations. In conjunction with MASTA, you can visit the Bupa travel health services in a number of Bupa Health Clinics.”