Travel clinic – London’s top vaccines

Some vaccines are required more often than others. At our travel clinic, we always have common vaccines in stock.

Unless you are travelling to somewhere that’s extremely remote and with little or no access to medical facilities, you probably won’t require vaccinations against every possible disease. There are some diseases, however, that you should protect yourself against and that are commonly found, even in well-established tourist destinations. In order to make sure you get the most out of your trip, visit a travel clinic. London clinics like Moorgate medical are treating travellers all the time, and we’ll be happy to help you work out which vaccines you need to protect you from diseases like these:

Typhoid

Typhoid is one of the most common diseases that travellers are advised to vaccinate against. Caused generally by poor sanitation and hygiene, it is infectious and has feverish symptoms, which can be dangerous if not treated. With a course of antibiotics, however, Typhoid can clear, although it can take several weeks to return to full health.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious disease that is caused by poisonous bacteria destroying the mucus membrane in the lining of the nose, larynx or throat, restricting breathing. The bacteria can move into the body, causing harmful and potentially fatal damage to the nervous system and the cardiac muscle. The disease can be caught by airborne particles – such as sneezing, or by contaminated bed linen and clothing. If you catch diphtheria, you need to get to a medical professional and preferably a hospital as soon as possible for treatment.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis is an infection of the liver and comes in several strains. Hepatitis A is the variant most often vaccinated against in a travel clinic. Again, Hepatitis is often the result of poor hygiene and sanitation and can be picked up through contaminated food and water, and through person-to-person contact. Only dangerous in a very few cases where liver failure is caused, most people recover from Hepatitis A within a month or two. You may lose your appetite and suffer from aching joints or mild fever symptoms, and then from jaundice: a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. In most cases you return to normal health without treatment. Hepatitis A is infectious though, so care with personal hygiene both for you and for those around you is very important.

Rabies

Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease. Although most well-travelled tourist areas are assumed to be safe, there are many parts of the world where rabies occurs – usually from a bit from an infected dog, fox, bat or other animal. Rabies attacks the nervous system, causing damage to the brain, and is often fatal. Always have the Rabies vaccine if you are concerned about the area you are travelling to, and get any bite or scratched checked out as soon as possible – even if you have been vaccinated, you will need another vaccine if doctors think it necessary.

Moorgate Medical travel clinic is based in the City of London, ideal for individuals and companies who want a professional medical practice on their doorstep. We are approved by the Healthcare Commission and offer a full range of general medical, sexual health, travel and dental services. Our state-of-the-art surroundings, experienced practitioners and competitive pricing makes us the perfect choice for those working and living in and around the City. Call us for an appointment on 0207 256 8668 or fill in our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.