The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to UK holidaymakers, urging them to get vaccinated or risk being denied entry on their holidays. The advisory, aimed at Brits planning an autumn or winter getaway in the European Union, was shared via the official Foreign Office social media pages.
A post from the account reads: “Did you know? At least 8 weeks before your trip, you should check the latest vaccination information for your destination, and see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page”. The NHS also cautions that if you’re venturing outside the UK, you may need to be immunised against serious diseases prevalent in other parts of the world, such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
The health service advises: “If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you’re due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.”
It further warns that those travelling in rural areas, backpacking, staying in hostels or camping, or embarking on a long trip rather than a package holiday may be more susceptible to certain diseases. “If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness,” the NHS adds.
Certain countries necessitate evidence of vaccination, such as for polio or yellow fever, which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) prior to entry or upon departure, as explained by the national service. It’s also worth noting that not all travel vaccinations are available free of charge on the NHS, even if they’re recommended for travel to a specific region, reports Birmingham Live.
