NOXOLO MIYA
Johannesburg – December holidays are upon us and this is a time where we make the effort to pack up our lives, surrounded by pets, friends and family, and clamber onto a car or aeroplane, bound for somewhere we’ve never been before.
However, before jetting off to somewhere memorable, you may wonder if your children need to be vaccinated.
According to Affinity Health, travelling can expose your child's immune system to diseases not routinely vaccinated against in South Africa, and pre-travel immunisation can help keep your children safe and happy while you explore the world.
Affinity Health shares tips and everything you need to know about travel vaccinations, including those for babies, older children, and everyone else in your family.
What you should know about travel vaccinations?
Vaccinations for travel are recommended or required depending on the destination. In some cases, vaccines are recommended based on specific health risks.
Affinity Health CEO Murray Hewlett said: "Recommendations and travel vaccination schedules differ depending on where you live, where you are travelling, the health of your child, and the type of vaccine."
The best time for your child to get travel vaccinations is usually at least a month before departure. This gives your child’s body enough time to build immunity before your trip.
What is the efficacy of travel vaccinations for children?
Vaccine effectiveness varies, and most childhood vaccines provide more than 90% protection against diseases that would otherwise result in severe complications and death.
Your child's age, health status, immune response to the vaccine, and how well the vaccine components match the disease-causing bacteria or virus circulating in the population are all factors that contribute to vaccine effectiveness.
"Some children who have only developed partial immunity to the vaccine may contract the disease in some cases. In this case, the vaccine aids in the reduction of disease severity and the prevention of complications," adds Hewlett.
Are travel vaccinations safe for children?
Vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to produce protective antibodies against the disease. As a result, your child will be protected against the disease if you are exposed to the bacteria or a virus.
Vaccines are occasionally contraindicated in some children, but the most common side effects are minor and typically include fever and swelling or soreness at the injection site. Consult your health-care provider to determine whether a vaccine is appropriate for your child and how to manage any adverse effects.
Is a vaccine against a now-rare disease necessary for my child?
If you take your child to such a country without immunisation, they may be exposed to these preventable diseases. Furthermore, travellers may unknowingly bring back disease-causing bacteria or viruses. If the community is not immunised, these diseases can resurface quickly.
Will giving a child multiple vaccines at the same time overwhelm their immune system?
Giving multiple vaccines ensures the child receives protection as soon as possible and avoids unnecessary delays in vital vaccinations.
In general, there is no upper limit to the number of routine or travel vaccinations for babies that can be administered concurrently. If live vaccines are to be administered at different times, each dose should be separated by at least 28 days, or as your healthcare provider recommends.
The Star