Gastrointestinal Disorders
Do you have a gastrointestinal disorder and are you going on a trip? On this page you will find information to consider before and during your trip.
TRAVELING WITH GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE
Would you like to travel but you have a stomach or intestinal condition? Having a stomach or intestinal disorder sometimes puts you at greater risk of contracting certain infections. This is because your stomach or intestinal wall is less able to protect you from them. For this reason, it is important to prepare properly before you travel.
Gastrointestinal disorders may include:
- An inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease);
- Gastric surgery;
- The use of antacids;
- A bowel removal.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND VACCINATIONS
With some inflammatory bowel diseases, you take medication that suppresses the immune system: immunosuppressants. When you take these medications, you cannot get certain vaccines. This applies to live attenuated vaccines. Some other vaccines offer less protection because the immune system works less due to the medication. Therefore, always discuss your travel plans with your doctor and visit a vaccination centre on time.
If you are taking antacids, it is recommended for certain travel destinations to get a typhoid vaccination if you are staying there for two weeks or more. An antacid disrupts the first line of defence that bacteria encounter when they enter the body, thus increasing the risk of infection.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND MALARIA
If you are taking immunosuppressants for your stomach or intestinal disorder, different advice applies. This is because you then have an increased risk of malaria complications.
Are you not taking immunosuppressants? In that case the usual advice applies.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND TRAVELER’S DIARRHEA
People with stomach or intestinal disorders are at higher risk for traveller’s diarrhoea. Travelers’ diarrhoea can also cause flare-ups in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.
You can reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea by paying close attention to what you eat and drink. For more information, visit our page on traveller’s diarrhoea.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND ANTIBIOTICS
It may be wise to take an antibiotic for traveller’s diarrhoea just to be safe. Consult with your doctor, travel nurse or travel doctor.
TAILORED ADVICE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Are you planning to go on a trip? Make sure you are well prepared. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl can help you with personalized advice. Book an appointment in time, preferably at least six weeks in advance.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment?
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice, you can use the button below, email via info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
HIV/AIDS
Do you have HIV/AIDS and are you going on a trip? On this page you will find information to consider before and during your trip.
TRAVELING WITH HIV / AIDS
HIV is a viral infection that affects the immune system. You can contract the disease through contact with infected blood. Examples include injuring yourself with a used needle or other medical instruments, a blood transfusion and unprotected sexual intercourse. In some cases, a mother can transmit it to her child during childbirth. Today, HIV can be effectively suppressed with medication; however, this medication may affect advice we give regarding vaccinations and travel.
HIV/AIDS AND VACCINATIONS
Most vaccinations can be given safely. With live attenuated vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine, there is sometimes a contraindication with certain medications used to treat HIV. In some cases, we recommend additional vaccinations or precautions. Much of the advice depends on how your immune system works with HIV, which varies from person to person.
HIV/AIDS AND MALARIA
There may be an interaction between some malaria medications and medications used to treat HIV (viral inhibitors). This depends on what medication you are taking and will be discussed with your doctor. There is no increased risk of contracting malaria when you are infected with HIV.
HIV/AIDS AND ANTIBIOTICS
You may consider taking antibiotics for intestinal infections or respiratory infections. In many cases, this can be prescribed in consultation with your doctor. You should be aware that with diarrhoea, some medications may not work as well.
Tailored advice for HIV/Aids
Recommendations for vaccinations and malaria medication are always personalized and in many cases depend on your CD4 level (the functioning of your immune system) and medication use. Your medical history is also important in getting proper advice. For example, it is important to know whether you have had measles, typhoid fever (salmonella), influenza or pneumococcus or if you have been vaccinated against any of these. An increased risk of getting tuberculosis may also be important. All these things are included in your personal travel advice.
Depending on how well your immune system is working, it is possible to do a titer test (antibody check) after certain vaccinations. This allows us to see if the vaccination has worked and therefore whether you are sufficiently protected to travel safely.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment?
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice, you can use the button below, email via info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
This is how you can travel without worry with a medical condition
Good preparation is essential for everyone to travel carefree. If you have a medical condition, you may need to take extra precautions or take a slightly different approach during your preparations. In this blog you will read how to best prepare for your trip if you have a medical condition.
General travel tips for travellers with a medical condition
To begin with, there are many different types of medical conditions and within those, the severity of the condition can also vary from one person to another. As a result, your experience may be different from other people’s. For this reason, the travel nurse at vaccinatiecentrum.nl will always assess with you which vaccines and other precautions are best suited to your situation. If in doubt about the health risks at your destination and how you can deal with them, always consult your doctor or specialist.
On our website, you will find special pages with extra travel advice for travellers with specific medical conditions. That overview of medical conditions can be found here. In this blog you will read the general advice that applies to almost everyone with a medical condition.
Choose your destination thoughtfully
Depending on the severity of your medical condition, it may be wise to involve your doctor early on in your planning process, for instance while choosing your travel destination. One reason for this is that some countries require you to be vaccinated with a live attenuated vaccine (e.g., the yellow fever vaccine). If you have to take immunosuppressive medication you cannot get these types of vaccines. There is also a risk that the vaccines you can get may not work as well if you are taking immunosuppressive medication. This increases the risk of contracting the disease.
Therefore, check which diseases are common in the areas you might want to travel to and see if you can safely take the vaccines recommended for these areas. If not, it’s better to choose a different travel destination.
Check your travel insurance policy
Have you already got travel insurance? If you need medical care during your trip, it is reassuring to know that the costs will be covered. That way, you won’t be faced with unpleasant surprises afterwards in the form of a high bill. Before you travel, always check that your travel insurance will cover the cost of any unexpected things that might happen in relation to the risks you face during your trip.
Make sure you are allowed to take your medication with you
Many medications are not allowed to be taken abroad, especially if they fall under the Opium Act. Therefore, check the CAK website to see what rules apply to the medication you need during your trip. You may need to bring a medicine declaration and/or Schengen declaration or contact the embassy to find out exactly what the rules are. Do this not only for the country you are travelling to, but also for all countries you travel through. If it turns out that you need a medication declaration and/or Schengen declaration, you should apply for these in time. CAK recommends doing this no later than four weeks before departure. Important to know: for medication covered by the Opium Act, you must always arrange a Schengen declaration. This is required even when travelling to Germany or Belgium.
Take a travel medicine kit with you
Because of your medical condition, you may be at an increased risk of getting sick and developing complications. Therefore, it is wise for you to take a small travel medicine kit with you, so that you have the most important medication you may need during your trip at hand. A travel medicine kit may include:
- Condoms
- DEET or other insect repellent
- Impregnated mosquito net
- Diarrhoea inhibitors
- First-aid kit
- Medication to relieve itching after mosquito or jellyfish bites
- Medication for seasickness, car sickness or air sickness
- Disinfectant
- ORS
- Paracetamol
- Tick tweezers
- Thermometer (preferably digital)
- Sunscreen
And, of course, any medication you need to take because of your medical condition or need to have on hand for emergencies. Sometimes it is wise to take additional medication with you when you travel, such as malaria pills. During a travel consultation at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, we will discuss whether this is necessary for you and write the prescription for this medication.
Get your vaccinations well in advance
Once you have chosen a destination, it is best to contact vaccinatiecentrum.nl as soon as possible for a consultation. During the consultation, one of our travel nurses will look with you at which vaccines you need and what medication you want to take with you on your trip. Some vaccines consist of multiple vaccinations that require a certain amount of time in between, for this reason it is important to arrange this well in advance. In some cases, a blood test is needed to determine whether you are actually protected against certain diseases. Again, it is advisable to book an appointment in time!
Make sure you have a plan for emergencies
You usually assume that your trip will not be disrupted by medical problems, but it is wise to have a plan in case something does happen. For example, find out which hospitals are near your travel destination and make sure you have the address details at hand. Also bring the contact details of your own doctor and consider bringing an explanation of your medical condition in English. Should something happen that requires medical attention and you are unable to explain your medical condition yourself at the time, your travel companions can hand over the written explanation.
Enjoy your trip!
If you are well prepared you will travel with peace of mind. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl is happy to help you prepare. Together we will ensure that, despite your medical condition, you will travel and return as healthy as possible. Book an appointment for a travel consultation as soon as possible so we can take the necessary measures on time.
This blog was published on 5 December 2023.
Cancer
Do you have cancer and you are traveling abroad? On this page you will find information to take into account before and during the trip.
Traveling with cancer
There are many different types of cancer, which are treated in different ways. Certain medications can affect the immune system, but some surgeries can also affect the risks you might have during your trip.
Depending on your treatments and medication, additional advice or vaccinations may be required when you travel. There is medication that causes the immune system to work less well, which increases the risk of certain infectious diseases. This may mean that other or additional vaccinations are recommended.
Cancer and vaccinations
Some cancers and/or some cancer treatments can affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines cannot always be given just like that. In case of mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node removal, vaccination is not allowed on that side in the arm. There are also treatments that affect immunological memory. This means that the immune system no longer recognizes certain diseases. In that case, you sometimes have to be vaccinated again.
Cancer and Malaria
There are many types of medication used in the treatment of cancer. If you are advised to take malaria tablets preventively for your travel plans, it is important to check that these tablets do not interact with your medication.
Cancer and traveler’s diarrhea
Some medications work less well when you have diarrhea. That is why you should consider taking antibiotics with you when you travel to certain countries.
Cancer and antibiotics
In addition to antibiotics against diarrhea, you can also consider bringing an antibiotic against respiratory and skin infections. The advice to take these antibiotics with you depends on your treatment process and the medication you use.
Tailor-made advice
Traveling can increase the risk of infectious diseases. It is wise to check whether you have been vaccinated against flu and pneumococci. If not, this can be done in consultation by vaccinatingcentrum.nl. Other vaccination advice depends on your destination, the duration of your trip and your personal health situation.
In all cases, it is important to consult your doctor carefully. You can do this yourself, if you wish, our travel nurses will contact your treating doctor to coordinate vaccinations and medicines.
Questions or book an appointment?
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Wageningen
Looking for a reliable place to get vaccinated?
You are very welcome at Vaccinatiecentrum.nl in Wageningen, located on the university campus. Our location is easy to reach and designed to provide quick and professional service.
Address
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl – Wageningen Campus Location
Plantage 8
6708 WJ Wageningen
Tel: 085 – 902 03 03
Located on the campus of Wageningen University & Research.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:30
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Please note: vaccinations are by appointment only.
Getting here
By car:
You can park for free directly in front of our building. Additional parking is available on campus; paid parking applies in most areas. For easiest access, follow signs for “Campus” and use P1 or P2 parking zones if needed.
By public transport:
From Ede-Wageningen station, take bus 88 to Campus/Forum. Get off at the stop “Campus/Forum” and walk to Plantage 8 in just a few minutes.
By bike:
There are multiple bike racks available right next to the building.
Accessibility
Our location is fully wheelchair accessible. The consultation rooms are located on the ground floor.
If you need additional assistance, please let us know when booking your appointment.
Questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have a question or would you like to make an appointment right away?
Call us at 085-9020303 or book easily online using the button below.
Nijmegen
Looking for a reliable place to get vaccinated?
You’re very welcome at Vaccinatiecentrum.nl in Nijmegen.
Our location is easy to reach and set up to help you quickly and professionally.
Address
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl – Nijmegen Location
Nina Simonestraat 24
6541 EX Nijmegen
The Netherlands
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:30
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Please note: vaccinations are by appointment only.
Getting here
By car:
Our location is on the west side of Nijmegen. There is ample parking available in the area. Paid parking is available along the street or at a nearby parking lot.
By public transport:
From Nijmegen Central Station, you can reach us within 10 minutes. Take bus line 2 towards Weezenhof and get off at the stop Weg door Jonkerbos. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk.
By bike:
There is a bicycle rack right at the entrance.
Accessibility
Our location is fully wheelchair accessible. The consultation rooms are located on the ground floor.
If you need additional assistance, please let us know when booking your appointment.
Questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have a question or would you like to make an appointment right away?
Call us at 085-9020303 or book easily online using the button below.
Den Bosch
Welcome to our location in Den Bosch
Looking for a reliable place to get your vaccination?
You’re very welcome at Vaccinatiecentrum.nl in Den Bosch, located at Boschdijkstraat 98. Our team is ready to assist you quickly, safely, and professionally.
Address
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl – Den Bosch Location
Boschdijkstraat 98
5211 VD ’s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
Opening hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 09:00 – 16:30
Every other Thursday: 09:00 – 16:30
Please note: vaccinations are by appointment only.
Getting here
By car:
The location is easy to reach by car. You can park for free directly in front of the building.
Boschdijkstraat is located near the city center, along the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal.
By public transport:
From ’s-Hertogenbosch Central Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk.
Alternatively, take bus line 1 (towards Maaspoort) or line 6 (towards Empel), and get off at Van Broeckhovenlaan. From there, it’s a short walk.
By bike:
Park your bike in front of of the building.
Accessibility
Our location is fully wheelchair accessible. The consultation rooms are on the ground floor.
If you need any additional assistance, please let us know when making your appointment.
Questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have a question or would you like to book an appointment?
Call us at 085-9020303 or easily book online using the button below.