I would like to book a holiday to Sri Lanka in...

I would like to book a holiday to Sri Lanka in October. I will be 3 months pregnant. Is it safe place to go without vaccinations as i dont think i can have them?

Before travel to Sri Lanka it is important to be properly protected. It is also generally considered unwise to travel during pregnancy to Sri Lanka. Issues to consider are access to medical care, facilities in the event of illness, the risk of a blood borne virus (resulting in the need for a blood transfusion) other tropical diseases and even diarrhea which can be quite severe. The difference in language and culture are bound to make it risky in the event of things going wrong.If you insist on travelling you must still get vaccinated but this will be ‘off licence’. In other words, you must be fully informed by your GP of the risks involved in having the vaccination while pregnant. You will probably need three different types of vaccination. These are Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Diphtheria. Also bear in mind that you will be more vulnerable to DVT and severe dehydration on the flight. For further information visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.nathnac.org

This question was answered by:
Mercedes Hughes
www.Globetrotterpharmacy.co.uk

8 September 2007