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Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC

Q: I am planning to travel to Malaysia and I will be 16 weeks pregnant. I want to travel between Melacca and Kuala Lumpur. What vaccinations do I need?   

Margaret, East Perth

 

A: Generally, peninsula Malaysia is a safe destination. The risk of most infectious diseases is low (and therefore the need for vaccines), there is no real risk of malaria, and the quality of medical services is quite high, especially in the big cities. Pregnant women should always check with their obstetrician or GP before traveling, and the ideal time to travel is during the middle-trimester, 13-26 weeks of pregnancy.
While we would prefer to administer no vaccine during pregnancy, and certainly no live vaccines, the risk of certain diseases may outweigh any issues of vaccine. All travelers should be up-to-date with any routine background vaccines, and for travel in Malaysia, hepatitis-A protection is advised. This vaccine can be given safely in pregnancy if it is required. Influenza vaccine is also recommended and considered safe in pregnancy.      

Dr Jenny

 

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