Do I need to get a hepatitis A vaccine if I have been vaccinated in the past?

No, you don’t. Vaccination involves two doses given at an interval of 6–12 months. After a second dose, the effectiveness of the vaccination is almost 100% and lifelong protection is ensured.

How long does it take from vaccination to departure for a hepatitis A vaccine to work?

The vaccine will start working 2–4 weeks after vaccination.

Do I need to get a hepatitis B vaccine if I have been vaccinated in the past?

No, you don’t. The vaccine is given in accordance with the 0-1-6 month schedule, i.e. the second dose is given one month after the first dose and the third dose is given after six months. The effectiveness of vaccination is approx. 98% and lifelong immunity is acquired. In the vast majority of cases no booster doses are needed.

Should I check my antibody level if I was vaccinated a long time ago?

Checking post-vaccination antibody levels and booster vaccination is only recommended for people with any immunodeficiency, cancer patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, organ transplantation patients and people with diabetes.

How much time must pass between vaccination and departure for a hepatitis B vaccine to work?

The vaccine will start working 2–4 weeks after vaccination.

Should I repeat typhoid fever vaccination before departure?

Typhoid fever vaccination is given in 1 dose and protects the traveller for 3 years. To maintain immunity, one should be vaccinated every 3 years.

Should I repeat poliomyelitis vaccination before departure?

Yes. Adults, properly vaccinated in childhood, should take a single booster dose before travelling to countries at risk of poliomyelitis. To maintain immunity, one should be vaccinated every 10 years.

How often should yellow fever vaccination be repeated?

Yellow fever vaccination requires a single dose. Full protection is acquired 10 days after vaccination. After vaccination, an International Certificate of Vaccination (the so-called yellow card) is issued. Vaccination is valid for life.

How to protect against mosquito bites?

One way is to wear light clothes in bright colours, with long sleeves and legs. Remember to spray your skin with repellents. Suitable repellents are those with a high content of DEET, e.g. MUGGA DEET.

In products for adults, the concentration should be at least 30–50%. The product should be used as often as every 2 hours on clothes and exposed body parts. Spray a mosquito net with the repellent before going to bed. Remember not to go outside during the period of the highest mosquito activity, i.e. after dusk.

How to prevent travellers’ diarrhoea?

Eat products from controlled sources and drink bottled water. Use it also to brush your teeth. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating (if water and soap are not available, use gels and wipes with disinfectant). Do not drink freshly squeezed juices or drinks with ice of unknown origin. Do not eat dairy products if you are not sure if they are pasteurised.

What to do if I have travellers’ diarrhoea?

First of all, drink plenty of cool water – in smaller amounts, but often. Use a rehydration solution (Orsalit/Floridral – 2 times/day). Eat easily digestible foods: boiled rice, carrots and bananas. Do not eat raw fruit and vegetables. You can also take a probiotic, e.g. Dicoflor. In severe diarrhoea, an antibiotic is necessary: Xifaxan 2 x 2 tablets for 3 days. This is a prescription drug (the prescription is valid for 7 days). If you deteriorate and in the event of apathy, significantly reduced amount of urine, vomiting after every attempt to drink, high fever or rash, immediately contact a doctor.