Vaccinations

If you are planning a trip to a faraway country, you need to check your vaccination status.

1. Check whether your existing vaccinations are up to date:
   diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.
2. Find out whether other vaccinations are recommended or compulsory.
   It is advisable to find out this information at least 6 weeks before travel from your GP or the vaccination centre (Travel Clinic) at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg.

Vaccination certificate

If specific vaccinations are needed to visit a country, it is essential that you have a vaccination record or vaccination certificate when passing through customs. This record is generally supplied by the vaccination centre.

Vaccinations recommended for all travellers

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacterium that is found in soil in the form of spores. These spores can enter the body through a wound and multiply. The toxins produced by this bacterium cause muscle contractions, which are often fatal. Vaccination provides full protection against tetanus.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria, or 'croup', is a highly contagious bacterial disease that is transmitted through secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person. This disease affects the respiratory tract and can lead to suffocation and asphyxiation. The diphtheria bacterium also produces toxins that attack the heart muscle and nervous system.

Vaccination offers complete protection against diphtheria.

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus is found in countries where sanitary conditions are inadequate.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that is transmitted by drinking water or eating food contaminated with faecal matter containing the virus. Poor sanitation encourages the spread of the disease. The hepatitis A vaccine offers highly effective protection against the virus.

Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease spread through coughing and sneezing. It is characterised by a high fever and skin rash. The disease can be dangerous due to the associated complications: pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis and encephalitis, which can result in incurable brain damage. The MMRV vaccine offers complete protection against measles.

Vaccinations depending on destination

Cholera

Cholera is the scourge of poor countries. Developing countries with inadequate sanitary conditions are affected in particular by cholera epidemics. It also affects countries that have been hit by a natural disaster, such as the earthquake in Haiti.

Cholera is a serious intestinal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium. It results in severe diarrhoea that can quickly lead to serious dehydration and death if not treated promptly. Vaccination is the most effective way of protecting yourself against cholera.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a major problem in Asia. It is a viral disease transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease is characterised by a high fever, chills and headaches.

In serious forms of the disease, neurological symptoms can quickly appear as a result of inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The disease develops unpredictably and can be fatal.

Vaccination is recommended for families who will be spending long periods of time in rural Asia.

Central European tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis is a disease found in forested areas of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe.

It is a viral disease transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. The disease can cause inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Vaccination is recommended for all adults and children over the age of 6 who will be visiting forests and regions of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe between spring and autumn.

Yellow fever

This vaccine is compulsory for people travelling to certain countries in Africa and Central and South America.

Yellow fever is a serious viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The term 'yellow' refers to the jaundice with which certain patients present. Vaccination is the only way of protecting yourself against this disease.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a serious infection that leads to diarrhoea, followed by a high fever and possible septicaemia. It is caused by a bacterium. The disease is transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water. Typhoid can be fatal if left untreated. As the vaccine is not 100 % effective, it is advisable to observe good food hygiene practices.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that causes a liver infection. This can lead to liver cancer. It is a highly contagious disease and is spread through contact with blood or unprotected sex. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Vaccination against hepatitis B offers complete, lasting protection.