Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new places, meet people, and have unforgettable experiences. However, it's easy to overlook the importance of protecting yourself against illnesses while traveling. Being sick can ruin your holiday, and in severe cases, even lead to death. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you first visit a travel vaccination clinic so you are up to date before you embark on your adventure.
Vaccinations train your body to fight against illnesses that come into your body. Vaccines contain weak parts of the antigen you are fighting against. By exposing your body to these antigens, you will be vaccinated against the real thing if you encounter it, minimizing symptoms or avoiding it entirely.
Traveling Unvaccinated Can Lead to Sickness and Death
Scientists developed vaccinations because many ailments in the world are a continuous threat to the well-being of people, with some cases and illnesses more destructive than others. Travel doctors advocate for travelers to get vaccinated before they travel to protect from these bodily threats, not to ‘make money’ but to ensure they remain safe and well so they can have an incredible holiday abroad without fear.
For example, if you fall ill with Yellow Fever, you will get yellow-eyed, with many symptoms from fever to headaches. Those infected will be bedridden for up to a week, and it would be a sorry gift to receive during a trip! This is why getting a vaccine to avoid these unpleasant experiences is highly encouraged because it can also lead to death in some extreme cases.
Source: Unsplash.
Can I Opt Out of Certain Shots?
Like with your right to go unvaccinated, you can opt-in and out of shots at any time—even if the nurse is just about to jab you. This is your body, and it comes down to you, ultimately, what you decide to put in it. However, you should be well informed about how these choices could expose your unprotected heath to the significant illnesses you could encounter when traveling abroad. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor, and they could suggest a conservative list of essential vaccinations, and then you could have some protection.
Source: Unsplash.
What Might An Unvaccinated Person Missout on?
If you decide to travel unvaccinated, you can expect to be denied a lot of luxuries that a vaccinated person may receive to avoid spreading a viral inflection such as Covid-19. This could include being denied entry into a country and being sent back or defined entry into top tourist attractions in your holiday destination. So although you have the right not to have travel vaccinations, it is good to remember that places have the equal right to deny you entry to protect their own staff or residences.
