Whaddon Travel Clinic

Whaddon Healthcare Travel Clinic provides trusted guidance for travelers and the wider community. Through our blog, we share timely updates on travel-related health requirements, essential vaccinations, preventive care tips, and the latest developments in global health. We also publish articles on broader health topics, from seasonal advice to wellness strategies, helping you stay informed and protected wherever life takes you.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Mosquito-borne disease

What you need to know beofoe you travel

Whether you are heading to Africa, South America, or Southeast Asia, mosquito-borne diseases remain one of the most common health risks for British travellers. Illnesses such as Malaria, Dengue, ZIKA or Yellow Fever can cause serious complications and on rare occasions risk to life . Proof of vaccination for entry is sometime required for some countries.

vaccines, preventive measures with medications, and simple protective measures can reduce your risk . Book a travel health consultation in plenty of time prior to departure to allow time for vaccines and medication planning

Key Mosquito-Borne Diseases Affecting Travellers

Yellow Fever

Found in parts of Africa and South America. Many countries require proof of vaccination before entry. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NHS UK, the vaccine should be given at least 10 days before travel. Travellers receive the International Certificate, this is valid for life.

Malaria

Common in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America. There is no routine vaccine for travellers, but preventive medication is available. As per the UK Malaria Guidelines recommended drugs include Atovaquone-Proguanil, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine (all prescription- only in the UK). Start times vary: Atovaquone-Proguanil or Doxycycline usually begin 1–2 days before travel, while Mefloquine should start 2–3 weeks before to test tolerance.

Zika Virus

Active in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. Particularly dangerous during pregnancy due to risks of birth defects. No vaccine exists. Travellers are advised to take strict mosquito-bite precautions. The Travel guidance is specific for pre conception and pregnant travellers, and guidance is to avoid high risk travel.

Chikungunya

Found in Africa, Asia, and the America.

Dengue

Widespread in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. Causes fever, rash, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. Vaccines exist, but NHS UK does not currently recommend them for most travellers — their use is limited to specific high-risk groups and endemic country programmes (WHO guidance). Bite avoidance remains the main protection.

Japanese Encephalitis

Present in rural Asia and the Western Pacific. Though rare in travellers, it can cause severe brain inflammation. The UK NHS recommends vaccination (e.g. IXIARO) for long stays or rural exposure. The course is usually two doses.

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

West Nile Virus, Rift Valley Fever, St. Louis Encephalitis, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis, La Crosse Encephalitis, Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Mayaro Virus, Sindbis Virus, O’nyong-nyong Fever — no licensed vaccines for travellers. Prevention relies entirely on bite protection (repellents, clothing, nets). Outbreaks are monitored By the WHO and each country disease outbreak surveillance bodies.

posted by Orchard Graphics September 11, 2025 | 0 Comments

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Yellow Fever

Expert Travel Vaccine Consultation

Planning to visit Africa or South America? Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne illness with no specific cure. Our clinic is an official Yellow Fever vaccination center, providing both the vaccine and the internationally recognised Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate.

We review your travel itinerary, medical history, and planned activities before recommending vaccination. This tailored approach ensures your protection while meeting all entry requirements for your destination.

What You Need to Know About Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk, but may also bite at night, especially in the jungle environment. Symptoms may be absent or mild, but in severe cases it can cause internal bleeding, organ failure and death.

As mosquitoes that spread yellow fever bite mainly during the day, travellers should combine vaccination with protective measures such as repellents, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito nets.

Yellow Fever Vaccination at Our Clinic

Mandatory for Many Destinations

Several countries in Africa and South America require proof of vaccination before entry. vaccination is strongly recommended and / Or Mandatory due to local transmission risk and high probability of disease presence

International Yellow Card

After vaccination, you will receive the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), valid for life, which must be carried with your passport when travelling.

Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine?

The vaccine is not suitable for infants under 6 months, people with severe weakened immune systems, severe egg Allergy / Anaphylaxis, or certain thymus disorders. Our specialists will perform a full pre-vaccination Assessment

Safe & Comprehensive Care

Side effects are usually mild (headache, fever, muscle aches).Risk for Rare serious reactions are assessed during your consultation. Medical exemption certificates may be issued if needed.

Cost & Insurance

The Yellow Fever vaccination typically costs between £60–85 in the UK.

One dose provides lifelong protection for most travellers. A booster is rarely needed except in special cases (immunosuppressed, very young children at time of first vaccination).

Frequently Asked Questions

If vaccination is unsafe for medical reasons, our doctors may issue a Medical Exemption Certificate. You must then take strict mosquito bite precautions during travel.

Book Your Yellow Fever Consultation Today

Protect your health and travel with confidence. Our clinic provides same-day Yellow Fever vaccination, consultation, and certification.

Book an Appointment

Or call us directly to discuss your travel plans with our team.

posted by Orchard Graphics September 07, 2025 | 0 Comments

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Consultation

Expert Travel Vaccine Consultation

At our clinic, we don't just provide vaccinations we provide a Holistic/ individualised comprehensive travel health consultation. Our Nurse specialists will review your specific itinerary, health history, planned travel & activities to create a personalised travel consultation.

.This tailored approach ensures you receive the required and recommended vaccines for your journey, giving you peace of mind to focus on your adventure..

Vaccines We Offer

Yellow Fever

Mandatory for travel to many parts of Africa and required for Parts of South America. We are an official Designated Yellow Fever vaccination center

Typhoid & Hepatitis A

Protect yourself from food and waterborne diseases. Recommended for most travellers visiting countries with reduced sanitation amenities.

Routine Vaccines ( Diphtheria / tetanus/ Polio / MMR)

The guidance is ensure you are up-to-date with the vaccine schedule for the UK ( MMR) ( DTP).

Other Recommended Vaccines

Depending on your destination, and activities other vaccinations for example Rabies/ Japanese Encephalitis / Hepatitis B/ Tic Bourne Encephalitis may also be discussed and recommended.

posted by Orchard Graphics August 26, 2025 | 0 Comments