As the summer season looms, many Brits are likely to jet off to far-flung destinations in search of some much-needed sun. However, before stepping onto the plane, it's crucial to get up to speed with the latest health and safety guidance.
While proof of vaccination isn't a requirement for entry into popular European destinations such as France, Portugal, and Turkey, it's still recommended for personal protection. With this in mind, we've gathered advice from the Foreign Office and the National Travel Health Network and Centre's Travel Health Pro to help you stay healthy on holiday.
At present, Portugal doesn't enforce any 'proof of vaccination' requirements under International Health Regulations. Nonetheless, tourists are advised to keep current with routine jabs available in the UK.
This includes the MMR jab, which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Travel Health Pro has highlighted that tetanus is a particularly hazardous condition caused by bacteria entering a wound.
The infection is widespread worldwide and typically happens when an open wound comes into contact with dirt or manure. In light of this, tourists are urged to thoroughly clean any wounds and seek medical advice for 'animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil'.
In addition to this, the advisory site mentioned that 'some' visitors should be wary of bat lyssaviruses - or bat rabies. Although no recent cases have been reported in Portugal, those engaging in more adventurous activities, such as caving, might be at a heightened risk. As such, pre-exposure jabs are suggested for certain visitors.
In case of an emergency, tourists should ring 112 and request an ambulance. If directed to a facility for treatment, any personal medical insurance or assistance companies should be contacted without delay.
If someone is feeling unwell but it isn't an emergency, call (+351) 808 24 24 24, press nine for English in mainland Portugal. Madeira and Porto Santo have a separate number of (+351) 800 24 24 20, while the Azores' number is (+351) 808 24 60 24.
The Foreign Office has also urged travellers to review Portugal's most recent vaccination advice at least eight weeks prior to a trip. "UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit," it said.
"If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication."
Similar to Portugal, France does not currently enforce vaccination certificate requirements upon entry. However, Brits are once again advised to keep up with routine jabs, including the diphtheria-tetanus-polio and MMR vaccines.
Travel Health Pro has also stressed that 'most' people should be vigilant about tetanus, caused by bacteria prevalent in the soil, while 'some' should be mindful of bat lyssaviruses and tick-borne encephalitis. Vaccinations are available in the UK to mitigate the risks associated with these issues.
Tick-borne encephalitis, a viral infection spread by tick bites, is present in the UK, parts of Europe, and Asia. On being bitten, a person may initially suffer from fever, fatigue, and nausea, which can rapidly escalate into severe symptoms within days or weeks.
Ticks harbouring the infection are often encountered in leafy areas, gardens, and city parks, hence getting vaccinated is a crucial step towards minimising this danger.
"The main affected areas are in the north-eastern departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in Alsace, and near the city of Nancy. Cases have also been reported near the cities of Faverges and Grenoble in the south-eastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and in the south-western department of Gironde in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region."
In an emergency, travellers should call 112 and ask for an ambulance. The Foreign Office has said: "FCDO has a list of hospitals in major cities including Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux region where some staff will speak English."
While Turkey doesn't enforce any certificate requirements, all travellers are advised to ensure they're up-to-date with routine jabs such as MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. It's also recommended that 'most' visitors get a hepatitis A jab.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection typically contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water, or contact with an infected individual. It's most common in the Middle East, Asia, certain parts of Africa and Central and South America.
Common symptoms include a high temperature, nausea, diarrhoea, unusually pale or grey faeces, itchy skin and jaundice. The infection generally clears up on its own within three to six months, but medication can be prescribed to ease symptoms.
"All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene," Travel Health Pro has advised. "As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers."
In addition, 'some travellers' are advised to get vaccinated against typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B before travelling to Turkey. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B is primarily spread through the blood of an infected person or unprotected sex.
While most adults recover within a few months, younger people may develop a long-term health condition known as 'chronic hepatitis B'. In severe cases, this can lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis.
In regards to Turkey, Travel Health Pro said: "This country is considered to have an intermediate or high prevalence of hepatitis B. Travellers should avoid contact with blood or body fluids."
On the other hand, typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through food and water. Jabs are recommended for travellers staying in areas with poor hygiene.
In an emergency, tourists should dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. "Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment," the Foreign Office has said.
