With the long list of to-dos that pops up when you go on holiday, it’s easy to forget about your health. In fact, only 4/10 of travellers who leave the UK seek professional advice before boarding the plane - which means millions of people are making themselves vulnerable in foreign countries each year.

The World Health Organisation recommends that people crossing international boudnaries should receive a pre-travel consultation to identify anticipated health risks and understand the best way to protect their health and minimise the risk of acquiring diseases.

Vaccines, malaria tablets and other products designed to protect you as you enjoy your holiday are all available at your local pharmacy, without any need to book a GP appointment or get a prescription. Pharmacists are trained to offer advice based on your travel plans - and are capable of offering a number of services to help, including:

• Comprehensive travel vaccinations

• Antimalarials

• Solutions for altitude sickness

• Insect repellents

• Solutions for jet lag

• Period delay

• Water purification solutions

A good place to start is with Pharmadoctor’s Health Risk Tool, which will give you some insight into general guidance depending on the country you plan to visit. Once you have an idea of the sort of things you’ll need, you can book an appointment at your local pharmacy at a time that works for you to pop in and get some more specific information. You will need to pay for any vaccinations or treatments you are provided with at your chosen pharmacy.

Your pharmacist can also give you advice on Fit to Fly certificates that will prove you don’t have COVID-19 - these are a requirement to fly to certain countries. Some pharmacies will be able to offer you home test kits or in-store tests providing results within 2 working days. When you get home, you’ll need to perform a PCR test, and again you can get these at home or have one carried out by a pharmacist in-store.

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Before you travel abroad, make time to speak to your pharmacist about the best ways to take care of yourself in a different country.