Vaccinations to Take Before Your Baby's First Trip Abroad

I remember the excitement and nervousness of planning Ravi's first international trip. Amidst the chaos of packing tiny clothes, nappies, and enough snacks to feed an army, I found myself wondering, "Have I done everything to keep my little one safe and healthy?" One of the most important things on my checklist was ensuring my baby's vaccinations were up to date. After all, the last thing any parent wants is a sick child in an unfamiliar place.

If you're in the same boat, wondering which vaccinations your baby needs before embarking on their first adventure abroad, don't worry! I've been there, and I'm here to share my experience and knowledge to help you with your travel preparation.

Before you start daydreaming about sandy beaches and exotic cuisines, you should familiarise yourself with India's national immunisation schedule. This schedule outlines the core vaccines recommended to protect our little ones against serious diseases.

When I was planning our first international trip with Ravi, I made sure to consult with my paediatrician well in advance. I learnt that certain vaccines might need to be given earlier than usual, depending on our destination. For example, if you're travelling to a country with high measles rates, your doctor may suggest giving your baby an early dose of the measles vaccine.

As responsible Indian parents, we must also be aware of the polio vaccine guidelines when visiting countries where the virus hasn't been completely eradicated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) issues temporary vaccination recommendations for residents and long-term visitors to these areas. Even though the polio vaccine is part of our baby vaccination chart, an extra dose might be necessary for high-risk travel.

The key here is to have an open conversation with your child's doctor about essential vaccinations well before you start packing those tiny suitcases.

When it comes to international travel with your little one, certain vaccines become non-negotiable. Many countries require proof of specific vaccinations at immigration checkpoints, and some may even have mandatory vaccines for children. Here are a few key ones to consider:

1. Measles Vaccine: Measles is highly contagious and can spread like wildfire in crowded places like airports. If your baby is over six months old and you're travelling to an area with known outbreaks, most doctors will strongly advise getting the measles vaccine.
2. Hepatitis A Vaccine: This one is especially important if you're heading to countries with lower sanitation standards. It helps prevent a liver infection that can be contracted through contaminated food and water.
3. Rotavirus Vaccine: Diarrhoea caused by rotavirus is another common concern for infants, particularly in areas with less reliable sanitation. Trust me, you don't want a severe case of this ruining your family vacation.
4. Meningococcal Vaccine: If your destination is in certain regions of Africa or Asia where meningococcal diseases are more prevalent, this vaccine is a must. Meningitis can be life-threatening for children, so don't take any chances.
   These are just a few examples of essential baby vaccinations for travel. Have a thorough discussion with your paediatrician to understand which ones are crucial for your specific destination and your baby's unique needs.

Let's talk a bit more about the measles vaccine and why it's so vital for infants, especially during international travel. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause severe illness, complications, and in rare cases, even death. While anyone can contract measles, it's most common and dangerous in young children.

Typically, babies receive the measles vaccine between 12-15 months of age. However, if you're travelling to a high-risk area, your doctor may recommend an early dose for added protection.

When we were planning our family trip to Thailand, our paediatrician advised us to give Ravi, our then 8-month-old baby, the measles vaccine before we left. Two weeks before our departure, we got him vaccinated, ensuring he had that crucial early protection. The vaccine is safe and helps their immune system fight off the virus, keeping them protected and preventing the spread to others.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), is usually given in two doses:

• First dose: between 12 and 15 months of age
• Second dose: between 4 and 6 years, before starting school

This vaccine typically provides lifelong protection against measles and rubella, although immunity against mumps may decrease over time.

For added protection, the MMRV vaccine covers measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends children receive their first dose of the MMRV vaccine at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years. Both the MMR and MMRV vaccines are administered as injections.

While the measles and rubella vaccines are usually part of the routine schedule around 12 months, an early dose can provide an extra safeguard when travelling. Just keep in mind that a second dose will still be necessary for full immunity when your baby reaches the recommended age.

While mumps may not be as common as it used to be, it's still a concern in some parts of the world, especially where vaccination rates are lower. If your little one hasn't received the mumps vaccine yet and you're planning a long-term trip, talk to your doctor about getting an early dose along with other essential immunisations.

Additional Vaccines Based on Destination

When travelling, you should also consider additional vaccines your baby might need for the trip according to where you're headed. I remember when we were planning our trip to Bali, our baby's doctor advised us to get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. It's not part of the standard baby vaccination chart, but it was highly recommended for that area.

When you're preparing for your international trip, don't forget to check with the travel health authority or embassy about any mandatory or recommended vaccines for your destination. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Yellow Fever: If you're headed to certain parts of Africa or South America, this vaccine may be a must for babies over 9 months.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Common in rural areas of Asia, this vaccine is important if you're planning an extended stay.
• Typhoid Vaccine: If you're going to be in areas with limited water quality in Asia or South America for a while, this vaccine can be a lifesaver.
• Influenza Vaccine: If you're travelling to places with flu outbreaks or limited healthcare access, seasonal influenza and pneumococcal disease vaccines are a smart choice for infants and young children.

Know that these vaccines target illnesses specific to certain regions, so do your research and be prepared!

Travelling with your baby for the first time can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure your baby stays healthy and happy throughout the trip. Make sure your baby is fully immunised, keep a copy of their immunisation card handy, and stay informed about any region-specific vaccine requirements. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and create some unforgettable memories on your family adventure! Just remember, it's all about being prepared and making the most of this special time together. Happy travels!