Your IPSA Medical vaccine specialist will assess your current vaccine status, and determine what vaccines you will require given whereabouts in the Middle East you plan to go, the length of your stay and what you will be doing whilst there. Your IPSA Medical vaccine specialist will also discuss country-specific medications (such as anti-malarial medications) that you might want to consider taking with you to the Middle East.
All travellers going to the Middle East
First, your IPSA Medical vaccine specialist will want to ensure you are up to date with routine vaccinations and you may also need to get some extra vaccinations, which he/she will advise you on during your vaccine consultation.
What routine vaccines will I need to have?
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus, diphtheria and polio
What vaccines are recommended for most travellers to the Middle East?
The Middle East holds a risk for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Hepatitis A: The CDC recommends the hepatitis A vaccine, as, no matter where you plan to stay or what you plan to eat, hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food and water when you are in the Middle East.
Typhoid: The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine as typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food and water, especially if you are slightly more adventurous with your diet, are visiting smaller Middle Eastern cities, or staying with friends/relatives.
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio: This triple vaccine protects against all three health issues. Diphtheria is transmitted via personal contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated bed linen, clothing etc. Tetanus spores live in the soil and tetanus is caused by contaminated wounds. Polio is transmitted via the oral or faecal/oral route.
What vaccines should some travellers to the Middle East have?
When you are at your IPSA Medical vaccine consultation, your IPSA Medical specialist will run through with you what medicines/vaccines you will need for your Middle East trip based on the duration of your intended visit, where you plan to go, what you plan to do when in the country, and also if you are travelling to the Middle East from outside of Britain. In addition to hepatitis A, typhoid, and the triple vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and polio, the following vaccinations may also be required, again, depending on your destination country.
Hepatitis B: You can contract hepatitis B from blood/blood products, sexual contacts or from contaminated needles. If you are planning on having sex with a new sexual partner, getting a tattoo/piercing or undergoing certain medical treatments/procedures then the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
Meningitis: Meningitis (meningococcal meningitis) is not only a serious infection, but it is also potentially fatal. This bacterial infection causes the lining of your brain and your spinal cord to swell and this can lead to blood poisoning. Death or a permanent disability can result from this infection, particularly if you develop blood poisoning. Meningitis spreads through sneezing, coughing and close contact with infected individuals.
MMR: The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Rabies: Rabies is found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the Middle East. You should have the rabies vaccine if you are in any way at risk from animal bites during your stay:
- Are you going to be involved in outdoor/other activities (biking, caving, camping, hiking, adventure travel)?
- Will you be working around and/or directly with animals (e.g. researchers, vets, wildlife professionals)?
- Are you taking a long trip or moving permanently to the country?
- Are you more likely to receive neck/head animal bites (e.g. children)?
For your same-day IPSA Medical vaccination consultation, call your nearest IPSA Medical clinic or make your booking online.
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