Vaccination advice when travelling abroad

[AY1975]

I've just come across this site giving country by country advice on vaccinations:

NaTHNaC - Summer travel advice

travelhealthpro.org.uk

It would appear that for most countries in mainland Europe we are being advised to get a tetanus vaccine. But what are you supposed to do if you're about to set off somewhere and have only just found out about this? I believe that you can get vaccinated at some pharmacies, though.

In any case, at least in the case of other European countries AFAIK vaccinations are only advisory and not a pre-condition for being allowed into the country, although obviously if you choose not to get the recommended vaccines or don't have time to do so before your trip, you do so at your own risk.

 

[The exile]

I've just come across this site giving country by country advice on vaccinations:

NaTHNaC - Summer travel advice

travelhealthpro.org.uk

It would appear that for most countries in mainland Europe we are being advised to get a tetanus vaccine. But what are you supposed to do if you're about to set off somewhere and have only just found out about this? I believe that you can get vaccinated at some pharmacies, though.

In any case, at least in the case of other European countries AFAIK vaccinations are only advisory and not a pre-condition for being allowed into the country, although obviously if you choose not to get the recommended vaccines or don't have time to do so before your trip, you do so at your own risk.

Surely the advice about being up to date with tetanus vaccination applies just as much when going about your daily business in the UK? We just tend not to think about it. The only thing that’s different is that the bureaucratic and financial implications are somewhat different away from the NHS.

 

[Sun Chariot]

I've just come across this site giving country by country advice on vaccinations:

It would appear that for most countries in mainland Europe we are being advised to get a tetanus vaccine. But what are you supposed to do if you're about to set off somewhere and have only just found out about this? I believe that you can get vaccinated at some pharmacies, though.

You don't mention which country / countries you are travelling to / through.

Some countries on that list advise that foreign entrants have up-to-date vaccine and/or booster. Norway, Poland, Hungary are examples I know of: I've travelled to them within past 10 months. You can still enter without up-to-date innoculation.

Some countries mandate that you have vaccinations, so you must carry evidence such as your vaccination-card showing all the in-date inocculations required to enter that particular country. Ignorance is no excuse.
For my India backpacking trip, 25-ish years ago, I used local (Kensington, London) Trailfinders and Boots branches for all my required jabs + tablets.

 

[Djgr]

I've just come across this site giving country by country advice on vaccinations:

NaTHNaC - Summer travel advice

travelhealthpro.org.uk

It would appear that for most countries in mainland Europe we are being advised to get a tetanus vaccine. But what are you supposed to do if you're about to set off somewhere and have only just found out about this? I believe that you can get vaccinated at some pharmacies, though.

In any case, at least in the case of other European countries AFAIK vaccinations are only advisory and not a pre-condition for being allowed into the country, although obviously if you choose not to get the recommended vaccines or don't have time to do so before your trip, you do so at your own risk.

A heads up to check with your GP from time to time but you should be covered for tetanus through standard vaccination schedules.

 

[AY1975]

You don't mention which country / countries you are travelling to / through.

In my case, Germany and the Netherlands.

 

[Sun Chariot]

In my case, Germany and the Netherlands.

I haven't consulted information on FCDO or WHO websites; however - for a UK permanent resident staying 3 months or less in either of those countries - I expect you'll find tetanus innoculation is advised rather than mandated.

 

[The exile]

I haven't consulted information on FCDO or WHO websites; however - for a UK permanent resident staying 3 months or less in either of those countries - I expect you'll find tetanus innoculation is advised rather than mandated.

Nothing is checked on entering Schengen .
The various COVID restrictions aside, the only time I’ve known (and experienced) a health related border check in either of those two countries was during the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak - on the Dutch - German border.

 

[Sun Chariot]

@AY1975 your bigger "need" is an adequate health/medical insurance cover as, since the UK's exit from EU, UK citizens are not entitled to the same services. You might be asked to show evidence of your travel insurance policy, at the point of entry.

GHIC card provides access to that country's basic medical services, only if that country signed up to it.

 

[Mojo]

As travel vaccinations are provided as a private service you aren’t going to have any trouble getting an appointment at short notice.

Nonetheless, there’s no need to get a special vaccination for a European trip.

I’ve been to plenty of countries with “mandatory” vaccinations and only on one occasion have I ever been asked to provide proof by an official, the other being by airport staff (ironically for a domestic flight).