What to do before you travel? – Travel vaccines and advice

1. Apart from the COVID-19 vaccine, what other travel vaccines should I consider?

Everyone’s immunisation needs are different! They are based on a person’s prior immunizations and likely exposures while travelling as well as the places they intend to visit. In preparation for a trip, travellers are advised to visit a doctor with a record of their prior immunizations and an itinerary.

Some available travel vaccines are:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Influenza
• Typhoid
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal disease
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever

Wish to take the Sinopharm vaccine? Healthsprings, a medical-approved vaccination clinic in Singapore, do provide the Sinopharm vaccination, you may book an appointment at this link – https://www.healthspringsgroup.com.sg/sinopharm/

2. When should I see a doctor to get the necessary travel vaccines and what vaccinations should I get before I travel?

To allow for adequate time for the relevant vaccinations to take effect, it is advisable to consult a doctor 4 – 6 weeks before travelling. Some of the vaccinations that you may need to consider depending on you travel destinations are as below:

3. How can I further optimize my health?

For those with chronic medical illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma, it is advisable to be in the pink of health before travelling. For instance, for patients with diabetes on insulin therapy, it will be good to involve the doctor early as adjustments in terms of timings and amounts of insulin may be needed while flying.

All travellers are advised to buy travel insurance for the duration of their trip and to carry a travel kit. You may wish to include the following items and medications in your trip as it may be difficult to access a pharmacy when you are overseas:

• Painkillers
• Medications for allergies
• Medications for diarrhoea
• Medications for motion sickness
• Sunscreen and moisturisers
• Simple dressings (plasters)

Planning to get a Health Check in Singapore? You may head over to our clinics – Woodleigh Family Clinic, Bukit Panjang Clinic and GP Clinic Orchard.