Are you planning a family vacation but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of travelling with children? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive guide is packed with expert children’s travel advice and health tips to help you ensure that your next family trip is safe and stress-free.
Travelling with children can be a fantastic experience but requires extra precautions to ensure their safety. Whether it’s a family holiday or a business trip, it’s essential to remember that kids have different needs than adults.
However, depending on your destination, your family may need certain vaccinations before your trip. Vaccines protect children from potentially harmful diseases that they may not have been exposed to before. Some countries require vaccinations as a condition of entry, so it’s essential to check the requirements before you leave.
Even if the country you’re visiting doesn’t require vaccinations, getting them is still a good idea. Specific illnesses prevalent in other parts of the world easily transmit to children without immunity. Besides, children with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to illness, making vaccinations even more critical.
It is essential to stay safe when travelling with children, as they may be more vulnerable to certain health risks. Pre-travel preparation involves several essential steps that can help ensure your family has a safe and enjoyable trip.
Research for Potential Risks
It includes anything from natural disasters to infectious diseases. Check the National Disease Centre website to get the latest information on potential health risks in the area you’re visiting.
Get Travel Vaccinations
You may need vaccines against diseases like typhoid or yellow fever, depending on where you’re going. It’s vital to consult a healthcare provider to determine necessary vaccinations.
Consult a Professional
Discussing your travel plans with healthcare providers is always a good idea. They can provide valuable advice on staying healthy during your trip and recommend any necessary medications.
Update the Routine Vaccinations
Finally, make sure your children are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before you leave. It includes vaccinations like:
•Measles
•Chickenpox
•Mumps
Several types of travel vaccinations are available, depending on the destination and the specific health risks in that area. For example, some countries may require vaccinations for:
Getting travel vaccinations typically involves scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider. They will evaluate your family’s medical history and travel plans to determine necessary vaccinations. Depending on the vaccine, multiple doses may be required, and the timing of the doses can vary.
The most common concern about travel vaccinations is their safety and effectiveness. However, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and approval processes before being made available to the public. While some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness or fever, serious side effects are rare.
In addition to getting travel vaccinations, there are several other ways to ensure your family stays safe while travelling.
The following is crucial foreign travel advice when planning your trip with children:
• Pack a first aid kit with essential medications and supplies. It includes bandages, pain relievers, allergy medication, and any prescription medications your family may need. Be sure to include a thermometer, hand sanitiser, and insect repellent.
• Using insect repellent and protective clothing is crucial to prevent insect bites and diseases like Zika, malaria, and dengue fever. It includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and using mosquito nets at night.
• Avoid consuming contaminated food and water. It means only drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding raw or undercooked meats, and washing fruits and vegetables with bottled or boiled water.
• Practising good hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of illness. Please encourage your family to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or after using the bathroom.
In conclusion, travelling with children can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it’s important to prioritise their health and safety. Throughout this blog, we’ve covered several steps families can take to stay safe while travelling with children.
If you’re planning a family trip and need travel vaccinations or personalised advice on staying safe while abroad, the SM Travel Clinic team are here to help you and your children fly healthily and safely.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment through the button below and prepare for your next adventure!
This blog post was written on behalf of the South Manchester Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.
