Typhoid vaccine (see p. 679) is indicated for travellers International travel
14.6 Typhoid vaccine (see p. 679) is indicated for travellers International travel
to those countries where typhoid is endemic but the vaccine is no substitute for personal precautions (see below).
Note For advice on malaria chemoprophylaxis, see section 5.4.1. 1. There is inadequate evidence of protection by BCG
No special immunisation is required for travellers to the vaccine in adults aged over 35 years; however, vaccination United States, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand
is recommended for healthcare workers irrespective of age although all travellers should have immunity to tetanus
because of the increased risk to them or their patients 2. List of countries where the incidence of tuberculosis is
and poliomyelitis (and childhood immunisations should greater than 40 cases per 100 000 is available at
be up to date). Certain special precautions are required
www.hpa.org.uk
BNF 57
14.6 International travel 685
There is no requirement for cholera vaccination as a Immunisation requirements change from time to time, condition for entry into any country, but oral cholera
and information on the current requirements for any vaccine (see p. 665) may be considered for backpackers
particular country may be obtained from the embassy or and those travelling to situations where the risk is great-
legation of the appropriate country or from: est (e.g. refugee camps). Regardless of vaccination, travellers to areas where cholera is endemic should take special care with food hygiene (see below).
National Travel Health Network and Centre Advice on diphtheria (see p. 666), on Japanese
Hospital for Tropical Diseases encephalitis 1 (vaccine available on named-patient
Mortimer Market Centre basis from Sanofi Pasteur and MASTA) and on tick-
Capper Street, off Tottenham Court Road borne encephalitis (see p. 679) is included in Health
London, WC1E 6AU Information for Overseas Travel , see below.
Tel: 0845 602 6712 (9 a.m.–noon, 2–4.30 p.m. weekdays for healthcare professionals only) www.nathnac.org
Food hygiene In areas where sanitation is poor, good food hygiene is important to help prevent hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, and other diarrhoeal diseases (includ-
Travel Medicine Team ing travellers’ diarrhoea). Food should be freshly pre-
Health Protection Scotland pared and hot, and uncooked vegetables (including
Clifton House
green salads) should be avoided; only fruits which can
Clifton Place
be peeled should be eaten. Only suitable bottled water, Glasgow, G3 7LN or tap water that has been boiled, or treated with
Tel: (0141) 300 10 sterilising tablets should be used for drinking.
(2 p.m.–4 p.m. weekdays) www.travax.nhs.uk (registration required. Annual
Information on health advice for travellers fee may be payable for users outside NHS Scotland) The Department of Health booklet, Health Advice For Travellers (code: T7.1) includes information on immunisation requirements (or recommendations)
Welsh Medicines Information Centre around the world. The booklet can be obtained
University Hospital of Wales from travel agents, post-offices or by telephoning
Cardiff, CF14 4XW 0800 555 777 (24-hour service); also available on the
Tel: (029) 2074 2979 (8.30 a.m.–5.p.m. weekdays for Internet at:
health professionals in Wales only) www.dh.gov.uk
The Department of Health handbook, Health Infor- Department of Health and Social Services Castle Buildings
mation for Overseas Travel (2001), which draws together essential information for healthcare profes-
Stormont Belfast, BT4 3PP
sionals regarding health advice for travellers, can be obtained from
Tel: (028) 9052 0000 The Stationery Office
PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN Telephone orders, 0870 600 52 Fax: 0870 600 53 www.tso.co.uk