Travelling outside France? Check which jabs you need

If you are planning a holiday to an exotic destination or simply travelling to another country, it is a good time to ensure your regular vaccines are up to date, and also to check whether there are additional precautions you need to consider.

While many vaccinations can be administered by doctors, midwives or nurses, you should ideally make enquiries two months before you intend to travel, as some vaccinations have specific requirements.

DTP

The DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) vaccine should be renewed at the ages of 25, 45 and 65. 

While diphtheria has almost been eradicated in France, it is still circulating in many parts of Eastern Europe and Asia.

Polio epidemics, meanwhile, continue to spread in several African countries, so it is best to make sure you are fully immunised before you pack your bags.

Yellow fever

In France, it is compulsory to be vaccinated against la fièvre jaune if you are travelling to or living in French Guiana, and is recommended for the intertropical regions of Africa and South America. 

Yellow fever can be transmitted through infected mosquitoes and the World Health Organization estimates that globally there are 200,000 cases of it every year and 30,000 deaths.  

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The vaccine is safe and highly effective, and a single dose offers lifelong protection; within 30 days, it provides 99% immunity.

Vaccination involves an injection at least 10 days before departure. 

If you are heading to a high-risk area, a booster dose is recommended if you had your first as an infant or if your original vaccine was more than 10 years ago. 

If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, you must first check whether the vaccine is recommended. 

Please note that this immunisation can only be carried out at a yellow fever vaccination centre approved by health authorities, so you might need to locate a specialist site for this.

Hepatitis A

This infectious liver disease is usually spread through contaminated water or food, so vaccination is strongly recommended if you are heading to a country with low sanitary standards. 

You should have the vaccine at least two weeks before departure.

Meningococcal meningitis and septicemia

This is very specific: should you be heading on a pilgrimage to Mecca, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs specifically advises immunisation for meningococcal bacteria A, C, Y and W135 at least 10 days before departure. 

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Additional diseases

French health authorities also recommend additional vaccines if you are heading to ‘risky’ destinations that they refer to as destinations aventureuses. 

This essentially means countries where hygiene standards are precarious, as well as any forested areas or very isolated regions. 

In this case, you might need to be immunised against typhoid, rabies, leptospirosis and tick-borne encephalitis. 

If you feel this might apply to you, check with your GP to organise your vaccinations.