Get Ready To Travel This Summer

Don’t forget your travel vaccines and holiday prep this year! Whether you’re heading to Europe, Southeast Asia, or somewhere more off the beaten track, a bit of planning can go a long way in keeping you well while you’re away.

At Ricky’s Pharmacy in Ewell, we’re here to help you get travel-ready, from sorting out your vaccinations to giving you tips on staying healthy in the heat. Here’s how we can help make your summer travel smooth and stress-free.

Travel Vaccinations Available In Ewell

Besides losing your luggage or missing your flight, becoming sick when you’re abroad is one of the worst things that can happen. While you can’t vaccinate against common illnesses like a cold or a tummy bug, you can protect yourself from some serious illnesses so you only bring happy memories home with you at the end of your trip.

Depending on where you’re going will determine which vaccinations you need along with your personal travel plans, previous vaccinations given and health needs.

We’ll take the guess work out of getting ready to fly, visit Ricky’s Pharmacy & Travel Clinic in Ewell for as customised vaccine schedule for you and your family. We’ll tailor your vaccines to exactly where you’re going, what you’re doing and give you practical tips on avoiding illness while you travel.

You can book your appointment online to book in a consultation, we’re happy to help and answer any questions you have!

Some of the most common vaccinations for summer destinations and ones we offer include:

• Hepatitis A: Often recommended for areas with poor sanitation, including parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
• Typhoid: Another one to consider if you’re travelling to places where clean water and food hygiene can’t always be guaranteed.
• Tetanus: Although most people are vaccinated in childhood, it’s a good idea to check if you’re up to date.
• Rabies: Not always necessary, but worth thinking about if you’ll be in close contact with animals or going off-grid.

It’s a good idea to speak to a pharmacist at least 6–8 weeks before your trip, as some vaccinations need time to take full effect.

Staying well abroad

The first step is to pack a small travel health kit. We can help you put one together at our Ewell pharmacy with things like antiseptic wipes or cream for cuts and scrapes, rehydration sachets for if you get a tummy bug or heat-related dehydration along with plasters and basic first aid essentials.

If you’re travelling by boat or don’t travel well in general we can give provide tablets for motion sickness to ease your symptoms.

You’ll also need to bring along a supply of any regular medicines you take. We recommend always carrying them in your hand luggage just in case your bags go missing.

If you’re unsure about flying with medication or what paperwork you might need, our team can guide you and get you fit to fly.

Coping with the heat

Lots of popular summer destinations are warmer and more humid than the UK. While that can be lovely for beach days and sightseeing, it also comes with a few health risks, especially if you’re not used to it.

Heat exhaustion and dehydration are more common than you might think. The signs can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. To avoid this, drink more water than you think you need, especially if you’re walking around or spending time in the sun. Aim for shade in the hottest part of the day, wear loose clothing, and don’t forget your sun hat.

You’ll also need to have a good sunscreen on hand. Depending on where you’re travelling to you might be able to buy a sun cream there. For example, Australian sun creams are far better than those available in Europe, it pays to do a bit of research before you travel.

In general, look for one with high SPF and UVA protection and remember to reapply every hour and a half to two hours and more frequently if you’re in water or sweating. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, we can help suggest something that might work best for your skin.

Avoiding insect bites

Mosquito bites aren’t just annoying, they can also spread diseases like malaria depending on where you’re going. While some areas don’t pose much of a risk, for others it may be better to take antimalarial tablets or use strong insect repellent.

We stock a range of insect repellents, including ones suitable for children and sensitive skin. When it comes to preventing bites, a few simple tricks will help keep you safe:

• Use repellent with DEET or another recommended ingredient
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
• Sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation doesn’t have air conditioning or screened windows

You can always visit our Ewell pharmacy anytime to get advice on what you need, and we’ll make sure you’ve got the right products for your trip.

Taking medicines abroad

If you take prescription medicine regularly, it’s important to check the rules in your destination country. Some medicines that are legal in the UK are controlled or restricted in other places. It’s always best to carry a copy of your prescription and, if needed, a doctor’s letter explaining why you need the medicine.

Our pharmacists in Ewell can help you get organised, from printing your prescription to providing travel-friendly packaging or advice on how to store your medicine safely in hot weather.

If you need to take medicines that require refrigeration or if you’re travelling for a long time, we can help you plan for that too!

Getting ready for summer travel doesn’t have to be stressful. A quick visit to? Ricky’s Pharmacy in Ewell can help you sort out everything from travel vaccinations to insect repellent, all in one place. We’re happy to chat through your plans and make sure you’ve got what you need to stay well while you’re away.

You can walk in, give us a ring, or book an appointment online, whatever works best for you! We’re here to help make your summer holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as it should be. If you’ve got a trip coming up and want to talk about travel vaccinations in Ewell, or you need help putting together a travel health kit, come and see us.

Our team is always ready to help you feel prepared and confident for your next trip!