Travelling with children? Ask The Travel Clinic, Ipswich and Cambridge for advice

First confirm the British Childhood Vaccination Schedule is up to date from your GP

Hepatitis A vaccine is available for children from the age of 1 year

Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to children going to live in countries in high risk areas and can be given from birth. Hepatitis B in infants is more common from infection passed from the mother at birth. It can be acquired at playgroups and schools where bleeding cuts and scratches are common and later through sexual transmission. Transmission from contaminated needles can occur at all ages. This vaccine is now being used more frequently in travellers in response to WHO advice that it should become part of the normal childhood vaccination schedule worldwide

Japanese B encephalitis vaccine can be given to infants and children at risk

 Rabies the disease is invariably fatal and the vaccine can be given to babies and children who are at risk, as they are likely to approach animals and so are more likely to be bitten  

• Meningitis   The meningitis C vaccine given to young children in Britain and sometimes also at schools or colleges is effective against type C but does not cover the types A and W135 which are the prevalent strains in Africa and parts of Asia and Russia - vaccine has to be used. Meningitis is spread by coughing and spluttering 

 Typhoid vaccine gives limited protection under the age of 2 years. It is not normally administered below 1 year since the risk can usually be minimised through parents care with food and water hygiene..

• Yellow fever vaccine is normally only given from around 9 months of age. There is an increased risk of the rare complication of encephalitis from the vaccine under this age. It may be wise to discourage infants under this age to travel to high risk areas. 

Common problems when travelling:

Ø      Sunburn: Bathe the affected area in cool water or apply a cold compress. Apply camomile lotion and administer an analgesic such as Paracetamol. In the case of blistering keep it dry and covered since they may easily become infected. If sunburn is extensive children may be in danger of losing a lot of body heat and become hypothermic, in this case medical attention should be sought.    

Ø      Prickly heat: This is particularly a problem in humid countries. It is caused by the sweat glands becoming congested as the body attempts to cool, and is characterised by an itchy sensation under the skin accompanied by a fine red rash and small blisters. To prevent it keep in the shade as much as possible and wear cotton. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid the use of deodorants. Regular showering and bathing and the use of talcum powder can help prevent this problem.     

 Ø      Cuts, sores and insect bites: these should all be treated with a sterilising solution such as iodine and should be kept clean and dry to avoid infection, perhaps through the use of a plaster of dressing.

 Ø      Animal bites: Children should be encouraged to mistrust dogs and other mammals as they may carry rabies and other diseases. Any bite, scratch or lick from a warm-blooded mammal should be thoroughly cleaned. If there is any possibility the animal could have been infected with rabies, medical attention should be sought immediately.  

 Ø      Diarrhoea: Children become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Lost sugar and salts may be replaced through special powders mixed with boiled water. These should be purchased in England as they may not be available overseas.   

 You should check with your International Travel Health Advisor which vaccinations are necessary and whether anti-malarial drugs are needed. It is essential to book an appointment at least four weeks before you travel as some vaccination courses are administered over several weeks.