Will you be travelling abroad soon? Then you're probably very busy getting everything organised! Maybe you're going on a two-week holiday with your family, or maybe you're planning to live abroad for a lot longer. Generally, the preparations you make before flying to an international destination focus on the contents of your suitcase, double checking all the travel documents, and making sure your home is clean, tidy and secure before you lock the door. But many people tend to forget the importance of health preparations. And let's be honest, nothing is more important than staying healthy! Have you looked into the vaccine requirements before travelling abroad?

Be smart and get the right travel vaccines

Not every destination requires or recommends visitors to have preventive travel vaccines. It often depends on the nature of the trip and the length of stay. Are you going abroad for work or will you be volunteering for a longer period? Besides being a fantastic opportunity to learn about other cultures, see a new environment and perhaps contribute to a good cause, there can also be health risks. Just think of the (unfamiliar) animals and insects that can transmit diseases, or the different food hygiene standards than your body is accustomed to. The longer you stay in one place, the higher the health risks. In addition to a number of compulsory preventive travel vaccines for certain countries, such as yellow fever when returning from a high-risk country or when you have been in transit, the Dutch Municipal Health Service (GGD) recommends several other travel vaccinations.

Well begun is half done

Wherever your journey takes you, it's always a good idea to check well in advance if certain vaccinations are necessary or recommended. Perhaps you need to be vaccinated against more than one disease for specific travel vaccinations. Is it a regular holiday? Then you can make an appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure with your GP or with the Dutch Municipal Health Service (GGD). They can assess together with the health advisor what is required. Are you planning to travel for longer than 3 months? Then it is wise to consult your GP or the GGD at least 2 months before departure, but ideally 7 months in advance. This way you won't run into unexpected surprises!

Quanto costa?

Okay, there's no such thing as a free lunch. But are you reimbursed by your health insurer for travel vaccinations? Many health insurance companies reimburse the costs of both the consultation and the vaccinations you need for the trip, although this may only be up to a certain amount or percentage. The reimbursement rules can differ between insurance companies and regions. Some regional branches of the GGD might have agreements with a specific health insurer, while other branches do not. If you're in doubt and want to be absolutely sure, you can check your health or travel insurance policy to see if vaccination costs are fully or partially reimbursed.

Which countries that you fly to from Eindhoven require travel vaccinations?

Most destinations you can fly to from Eindhoven Airport currently only have recommended travel vaccines for DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A (jaundice). In other words, it's up to you whether you think it's necessary. It is, however, recommended to schedule an appointment if you've travelled to a high-risk country for yellow fever. Still having doubts or do you think it's better to be safe than sorry? Then get in touch with your doctor!

Disclaimer

The medical information advised above is based on a specific period and on specific circumstances. This may mean that the information is no longer fully up to date. Furthermore, the vaccination requirements depend very much on the period, duration of travel, conditions of stay and destination. The above information is therefore subject to change. We always recommend contacting your GP or the Municipal Health Service (GGD) prior to travel.