Going on a trip to exotic countries, it is easy to forget about some everyday worries. Despite this, do not forget about the much-needed event, like vaccination before the trip. Of course, if you have international medical insurance, there will be much less worries, but not all travelers have it. Below we will talk about what is worth taking and will answer the most frequently asked questions:

1. Where to start?

Determine what exactly you may encounter during the trip. You can find similar information on the Internet, for example, on the website of Vaccination.ru or in English by the National Travel Health Network and Center. But it is better, of course, to seek the advice of your doctor, at least 6 weeks before the planned departure date. This period will allow the vaccine to become the most effective. In addition, your doctor will be able to tell you other ways to avoid risk.

Vaccinations can often be included in international child health insurance, for example, Bupa Insurance has similar products.

2. How does it work?

Vaccines, as a rule, contain weakened or inactive variants of the virus that causes the disease, from which the body must develop immunity. The mechanism of action of vaccinations for travelers is the same as for vaccines against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, etc., that have been familiar to everyone since childhood. The body responds to the introduced virus by creating an antibody protein that will recognize and fight the disease in the future. And if contact with the same virus again arises, the body will be ready.

3. Is vaccination possible during pregnancy?

Of course, the best precaution is to avoid traveling to countries at high risk of contracting viral diseases. But, if this cannot be avoided, then it is NECESSARY to consult with your doctor about vaccination. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines, but they will recommend other ways to increase immunity and the general resistance of the body against diseases.

Pregnancy management and all necessary precautions can also be included in your health insurance, as the item - pregnancy insurance.

4. Is it possible to vaccinate children?

Despite the fact that children are at risk as well as adults, not all vaccinations are effective for them, and some should even be avoided, for example, vaccination against yellow fever. Often this happens because the children's immune system is not as developed as the adult. If you still travel with children, their vaccination schedule should have significant amendments, unlike yours. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider for more information.

5. Are there any contraindications?

If you are undergoing any treatment (for example, chemotherapy), are taking medication or already have any disease accompanied by a decrease in immunity (for example, HIV), vaccination with weakened live viruses may be dangerous for you. For instance:

• yellow fever vaccine
• typhoid vaccination
• Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG (tuberculosis vaccine)
• some childhood vaccines, e.g. measles and rubella

If you have problems with health and immunity, be sure to consult a doctor before planning such a trip.