Travelling with Children: Health Considerations & Children’s Travel Vaccines

At Akasi Pharmacy in London, we understand the joys and challenges that come with family travel. Ensuring your little ones are safe and healthy during your trip is paramount. That’s why we are dedicated to providing expert advice and comprehensive children’s travel health services, including essential vaccinations.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

When travelling with children, thorough preparation is key. While packing the right clothes and toys is important, ensuring your child’s health needs are met should be at the top of your checklist. Different destinations can present various health risks, especially for young, developing immune systems. Planning ahead means you can enjoy a worry-free holiday, knowing your children are protected.

Children’s Travel Vaccines: A Must-Have

Vaccinations are a crucial part of travel preparation. They protect against diseases that are more common in certain parts of the world. At Akasi Pharmacy, we provide a range of children’s travel vaccines to safeguard your little ones. Some of the key vaccines we offer include:

Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that can cause serious liver disease. They are more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children travelling to countries with intermediate or high levels of infection. Hepatitis B vaccination is often included in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK, but additional doses may be necessary depending on your destination.

Typhoid: Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, is a significant risk in many parts of the world, particularly South Asia. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for children travelling to areas where typhoid fever is endemic. It’s administered as an injection and protects for up to three years.

Rabies: While rabies is rare, it is fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies vaccination is especially important if you are travelling to rural areas where children may come into contact with animals. The vaccine is given in three doses over a month and provides essential protection.

Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Certain countries in Africa and South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. The vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong immunity. At Akasi Pharmacy, we ensure your child gets this critical vaccination if your travels include yellow fever risk zones.

Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found in rural parts of Asia. It can cause severe brain inflammation. The vaccine is recommended for children spending extended periods in rural areas or during the transmission season.

travelling with children

Travel Health Advice from Akasi Pharmacy

Beyond vaccinations, there are other health considerations to keep in mind when travelling with children. Our team at Akasi Pharmacy offers a wealth of travel health advice tailored to your destination and your child’s specific needs.

Hydration and Nutrition: Keeping your children well-hydrated and ensuring they consume safe food and water is crucial. We provide advice on avoiding foodborne illnesses and recommend oral rehydration solutions in case of diarrhoea.

Sun Protection: Children’s skin is particularly sensitive to the sun. We advise on the best sunscreens and protective clothing, ensuring your child enjoys the sun safely. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.

Insect Protection: Preventing insect bites is essential in avoiding diseases like malaria and dengue fever. We stock a range of child-friendly insect repellents and can advise on appropriate clothing and bed nets to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

First Aid Essentials: A well-stocked first aid kit is a travel necessity. We offer ready-made travel kits that include essentials like antiseptics, plasters, and medication for minor ailments. Our pharmacists can also help you customise a kit based on your destination and specific needs.

Personalised Travel Health Plans

At Akasi Pharmacy, we understand that every family is unique, and so are their travel plans. Our pharmacists provide personalised consultations to develop tailored travel health plans for your children. This includes:

Pre-Travel Health Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to identify any specific health needs or risks based on your travel itinerary.

Vaccination Schedules: Detailed schedules to ensure all necessary vaccines are administered in time before your departure.

Travel Health Advice: Customised advice on staying healthy and safe during your trip, from avoiding jet lag to managing chronic conditions on the go.

Travelling with children

Convenience and Expertise

Choosing Akasi Pharmacy for your children’s travel health needs means you benefit from our convenient location in London and the expertise of our professional team. We are committed to making your pre-travel preparation as smooth as possible. With flexible appointment times and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, we ensure your experience is hassle-free.

Peace of Mind for Parents

Travelling with children can be a delightful adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of worries. Our mission at Akasi Pharmacy is to alleviate those concerns by providing comprehensive travel health services. By taking care of your children’s vaccination and health needs, we give you the peace of mind to focus on creating wonderful memories with your family.

Book Your Consultation

As you plan your family holiday, don’t forget to schedule your pre-travel consultation with Akasi Pharmacy. Our dedicated team is here to ensure your children are well-protected and healthy for your journey. Contact us today to book an appointment and start your travel preparations on the right foot.

At Akasi Pharmacy, your family’s health is our priority. Safe travels and happy adventures!

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This blog was written on behalf of Akasi Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.