Travel medical vaccinations are vaccinations against diseases specific to travel countries and are recommended when traveling to that country.
Travel to distant countries for vacation and business has increased steadily in recent decades. Traveling to foreign countries means endless opportunities and new experiences for travelers, but also dangers such as contagious diseases for which the immune system is not prepared.
During a travel medicine consultation, you will be recommended necessary vaccinations depending on your destination, age, existing pregnancy and any pre-existing conditions.
The most important travel vaccinations according to the Robert Koch Institute include vaccinations against:
- Cholera
- TBE (early summer menigoencephalitis)
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (flu)
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Pneumococcus
- Rabies (rabies)
- Typhoid fever
Vaccinations are given some time before travel, depending on the vaccination, several sessions may be necessary because of the need for partial vaccinations.
Regardless of the travel medical vaccinations, all adults should have adequate immunity to tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and poliomyelitis (see below regular vaccinations).
Instructions for vaccinating a pregnant woman
In general, active vaccinations should be avoided during gravidity.
The following vaccinations can be given during pregnancy without hesitation:
- Diphtheria (preferably not in the 1st trimester/third trimester).
- Influenza (preferably not in the 1st trimester).
- Poliomyelitis (PIV)
- Tetanus
The following vaccinations may be administered after benefit-risk assessment:
- Cholera
- TBE
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (pre-exposure)
The following vaccinations may only be administered after a strict risk-benefit assessment:
- Yellow fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcus
- Thyphoid
The following vaccinations must not be administered during pregnancy:
- Measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations
- Pertussis vaccination (should be avoided!).
- Varicella vaccination
