he grim weather at this time of year prompts many of us to turn our thoughts to holidays abroad.

But few travellers take the time to consider protecting themselves against medical emergencies.

A new survey published by vaccine company Pasteur Merieux MSD has revealed many holidaymakers have little understanding of how best to protect themselves.

With more and more bargain holidays available to long-haul destinations, more people than ever before are coming into contact with tropical diseases, making proper protection more important.

Of more than 300 people polled in the survey, one third had travelled to a country requiring vaccination against typhoid without a jab.

In addition 40 per cent of people had visited a holiday spot where they could pick up hepatitis A without a vaccination before they jetted off.

Many travellers had no idea which diseases could be a risk to them.

One traveller even thought he would be in danger of catching smallpox, which was declared eradicated nearly two decades ago.

A spokesman for Pasteur Merieux said travellers returning from exotic holidays could be a danger to people who had ventured no further than the English seaside for a holiday.

GP surgeries offer travel advice and vaccinations to anyone planning a holiday.

Sensible travellers should visit their surgery at least a month before heading off for any far-flung destination as vaccines can take up to a month to provide the body with sufficient immunity against the disease.

Regular travellers should also make sure their vaccinations are updated by having booster jabs which also give them flexibility for last-minute holidays.

All travel vaccines need boosters after a number of years but the survey showed few holidaymakers knew the length of protection vaccines offered.

Key tips are available in the booklet Health Advice for Travellers, issued with the form E111 which can secure emergency medical treatment in many European countries free or at a reduced cost.

The Department of Health is currently working with travel agents and tour operators to try to improve take-up of the form which is valid indefinitely as long as the holder lives in this country, amid evidence that less than half the people visiting Europe use it.

The booklet has the latest information on immunisation and precautions against diseases, including malaria as well as reciprocal healthcare arrangements.

Both the form and the booklet are available from post offices, travel agents, libraries, Citizens' Advice Bureaux and GP surgeries.

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