Travel Health FAQ’s

It is very important to notify us about ANY types of medications you are taking at the beginning of the consultation. There are some vaccines that cannot be combined with some medications.

You are definitely not the only one scared of needles! 
Yes, a vaccination can occasionally hurt, but only for a second or two. The best thing to do is relax as much as possible (even lying down can help) and do not watch. If your muscles are tense, struggle, or you keep stopping the clinician from doing it, this will make things more painful, stressful and drawn out.
Some people find it helpful to go to a Hypnotherapist before coming to us to manage their phobia of needles.

It is advised that you avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours after having vaccines.

It is advised that you avoid exercise, especially strenuous exercise, for 24-48 hours after having vaccines.

Pregnancy is not a deterrent to receiving vaccines that are safe and that will protect both a pregnant woman and her yet to be born child. Inactive, or dead, vaccines like tetanus, polio, influenza, amongst others, can usually be given during pregnancy. Live vaccines are, in general, contraindicated because of a potential risk to the baby; measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and yellow fever vaccines are therefore best avoided in pregnancy. The risks and benefits should, however, be examined in each individual case as there can be occasions when the risk of a live vaccine is much less than the risk of getting the disease the vaccine protects against. We can discuss this further with you during consultation.

Yes you can. Having your period does not interact with any travel vaccines.

It is OK to have vaccines if you just have a common cold. If you have a fever or temperature, then we would recommend you wait until that has finished before having vaccines.

It is OK to eat and drink before and after most vaccines. However, there are some vaccines, such as the cholera (which is a drink), where you cannot eat or drink (even water) for 2 hours before and 2 hours after having the vaccine.

No more than 10 seconds. Not long at all! 
Remember, the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to give and the less painful it is.

In the unlikely event that you have a reaction to any vaccination, we are on hand to help you. This is why we recommend you wait for this time after having vaccinations.

It is possible to experience some mild side effects following the vaccinations, these can include:

• Redness
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Mild headache
• Swelling at the injection site
• Pain at the injection site
• Feeling generally unwell

Only some may experience these side affects.
 Please inform us if you have experienced reactions to vaccines in the past.

Reactions to vaccines are very uncommon, but can occur in up to 20% of those vaccinated.

All travel vaccinations are given in the upper arm, or if you are to have a blood test, in your inner elbow. Make sure you wear tops where the sleeve can easily be rolled right up to the top of your shoulder. Singlets and t-shirts are a good idea.

We recommend parents come along with their children.

This depends on what vaccines they are having. Some can start from as young as babies to 9 months, others start from one year plus. We will be able to advise you on this during consultation.

It takes around 10-14 days for any vaccine to be fully in your system (gradually building up immunity each day). Depending on the type of vaccine course you choose to do, will determine full immunity time. We will discuss this with you when you come in.

Each vaccine and vaccine course is different. Some vaccines can last 20-30, or more, years, others only 10 or 3 years. Some vaccines require a booster a year later which helps the course to last longer.

You’ve been lucky! 50% of travellers to developing countries can become unwell in some way. Most vaccines are precautionary options so it is entirely up to you on how precautionary YOU want to be with YOUR health whilst travelling. We are here to arm you with the awareness on all aspects of your health and safety whilst travelling. As we’ve mentioned, it’s not all just about vaccines. We see our service as a form of travel health insurance.

If they were born and lived there, they may be immune to local disease although immunity tends to wane if they have been out of the region for some time. If you live in NZ, you will not necessarily have natural immunity to some diseases, even if you were born in the country in which they are widespread.