Pre-travel vaccinations must be taken a month before journey

Travellers should have first-aid kit on hand at all times and carry routine medications like painkillers and antihistamines

The sun tries to pierce through the enormous cover of clouds, that resemble fluffy cotton balls, dotting the blue skies over Sharjah. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

The Dubai Health Authority, DHA, is encouraging those who plan to travel to ensure they take necessary pre-travel vaccinations at least a month prior to their journey to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccines.

The pre-travel health services are available across all DHA Primary Healthcare Centres and the services include pre-travel counselling, risk assessment, vaccinations and medications.

Dr. Alia Mohammad Al Dallal, Consultant Family Physician and Acting Director of Specialised Programme Services Department at DHA’s Primary Health Care Sector said, “In terms of the COVID-19 vaccine, people who intend to travel should first seek their healthcare provider’s advice so that they can assess their medical condition, allergies if any, pre-existing health conditions and accordingly seek advice with regard to the vaccine.”

In addition to this vaccine, there are certain mandatory vaccines if you are travelling to certain countries, said Dr Al Hammadi.