This experience with travel vaccinations has been a costly, confusing and administrative minefield and probably the thing that has caused us the most stress in the organisation of our trip. We knew that we wouldn’t be able to get many free vaccinations the NHS these days but wanted to get what we could to save money. Information on what is offered for free is pretty scarce and seems to be a postcode lottery. As it was, we had to move our GP surgery to one with a travel clinic as ours no longer offered it.
I have hardly any fear about taking my family travelling. My only one is their health and safety on our trip and so we wanted to get them covered for every eventuality within our power.I was quite up to date with my travel vaccinations having had two children (tetanus, MMR etc) and also having travelled before had had hepatitis A and B with boosters. Boots told me that I needed a hep B booster, the NHS told me I didn’t need it unless I was at risk & MASTA told me I didn’t need one. The hardest thing about this process is that we only have a very rough itinerary so it was hard to be specific and the information we received was quite confusing. I have hardly any fear about taking my family travelling. My only one is their health and safety on our trip and so we wanted to get them covered for every eventuality within our power.
I had three vaccines at Boots travel clinic which was a dream. Very straight forward after an initial consultation. Appointments easily booked and attended, polite and helpful staff and all for the bargain price of just under £600 (yes you can get Boots points for these, meal deal anyone?). This was just for me. While I knew that the shots were just under £200 each, I forgot to times that by three for one person and then again by four people. Ouch. A pain in the arm and in the wallet. So yes, our travel vaccinations have cost us the price of long haul holiday for one, but as far as I’m concerned you can’t put a price on your health or your children’s. Especially when they have no say in coming.
The children were a little more difficult. Boots unfortunately won’t do children under a certain age. We were recommended the MASTA travel clinic by our GP surgery which we used. Our son couldn’t have typhoid as he was under two. This was quite worrying to me as typhoid (if you didn’t know) is the disease you get from poor hygiene in underdeveloped countries such as where food is prepared. There was nothing we could do about this and so we plan to get it while away, once he turns two.
Eventually we got the children’s travel vaccinations done in a MASTA clinic within an STA travel shop. Another £400 for their first three doses (rabies, Japanese encephalitis & tick bourne encephalitis). They will have another two each of rabies and JE and one more each of TBE. On the NHS, they were up to date with all UK childhood vaccinations. They also got hepatitis A&B for free and so did my husband. We all got typhoid for free (apart from Nate who was too young).
Malaria was a whole separate conversation. As far as it seems we aren’t currently going to any malarial areas and in recent times the risks have reduced in the areas where we planned to go. Still confusing. Another one which depends on exact area, time of year and length of stay. Obviously we don’t want to and won’t put ourselves at risk but may have to play this one by ear.
We hated giving our kids these jabs. Especially the little one with his innocent face, not knowing he was about to be jabbed. At least when they are older you can explain and promise chocolate afterwards. However, maybe not knowing is better. As we explained though, prevention is better than cure and a couple of seconds of pain is better than the potential alternative.
So as far as we can, we have vaccinated against what we could. We obviously can’t give medical advice but the best advice we can give is first visit your GP and see what you can get for free. The NHS fit for travel website is very good but we found it easier to speak to someone face to face. You could also have a consultation somewhere like Boots and go away and consider what you need. It depends on areas, time of year, outbreaks and is changing all the time. Plan well in advance (they often need to be spread out and need time to take affect) and finally, save up!
