Flu vaccines are typically developed to target the most prevalent strains of influenza viruses expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Annual vaccination is recommended for most individuals, especially those at higher risk of complications from the flu, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Vaccination not only reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu but also helps to decrease its severity and potential complications.
While flu vaccines are generally safe and effective, their effectiveness can vary from season to season depending on factors such as the match between the vaccine strains and circulating viruses. However, even if the vaccine doesn’t perfectly match the circulating strains, it can still provide partial protection and reduce the severity of illness.
In addition to protecting individuals, widespread flu vaccination also contributes to community immunity, reducing the overall spread of the virus and protecting those who may not be able to receive the vaccine themselves.
Are you planning to travel outside of the UAE? You may need to be vaccinated against other diseases that are present in different countries. Travel vaccines are essential immunisations recommended for individuals traveling to regions where specific infectious diseases are prevalent. These vaccines help protect travellers from contracting potentially serious illnesses during their journeys.
The selection of travel vaccines depends on various factors, including the traveller’s destination, planned activities, duration of stay, and individual health status. At Optimal Clinic, we stock common travel vaccines to target diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, Whooping Cough, Polio, Meningitis, Typhoid and Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus.
Some travel vaccines require multiple doses administered over several weeks or months before departure to ensure optimal protection, so it’s essential to plan. Our highly experienced Family Medicine Consultant, Dr Lindsey Bluett, can assist you in determining which vaccines you and your family require.
In addition to vaccines, travellers should also be informed about other preventive measures, such as practicing good hygiene, using insect repellents, and taking precautions to avoid food and waterborne illnesses.
Malaria is a serious infection, caused by a parasite and transmitted by mosquitoes. If left untreated, severe complications can result, even death. This can be prevented by taking medication to help prevent infection when travelling.
Malaria predominantly affects Africa, South America, South-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent. It is important to check the malaria risk for the country you are travelling to before you go, with our Family Medicine Consultant. Ideally this would be 4 to 6 week weeks before you travel, but you can still get advice at the last minute if you need.
Dr Lindsey Bluett will assess your individual risk of contracting malaria whilst travelling. If required, you may be prescribed antimalarial tablets to reduce your risk.
The HPV vaccine prevents infections that can cause cancers including cervical cancer, as well as mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer. It also protects against genital warts. The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting infected with Human Papillomavirus, a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sexual intercourse).
The HPV vaccination programme is incredibly successful and has already led to an 87% decrease in cervical cancer incidence in women in their 20s in the UK.
It is not a live vaccine and cannot cause HPV. We vaccinate using Gardasil 9 which helps protect against 9 types of HPV. The vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the cause of more than 80% of cervical cancers. The vaccine also protects against types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which cause an additional 15% of cervical cancers. The vaccine also protects against 2 other types of HPV. These cause around 90% of cases of genital warts.