Kate Morris was looking for sun and deep relaxation. So, when her exotic destination meant she needed to consider vaccinations and antimalarials, she turned to Boots
“All I wanted was a very chill holiday where everything was just easy,” explained Kate Morris from London. “I was exhausted.”
Searching online for somewhere warm and relaxing, Kate stumbled upon an all-inclusive package holiday at a resort in Cape Point, Gambia, which seemed to tick all the boxes.
“It was right on the beach and looked really lovely,” she said. “There was also no time difference, which was a big draw, as we were only going for a week, so I really didn’t want to have to deal with jet lag.”
Kate may have been looking for a hassle-free holiday, but her exotic destination meant that her preparations suddenly took on a more serious nature. Like many far-flung locations, it is recommended that holidaymakers travelling to Gambia – a small country on the west African coast – consider having certain vaccinations, as well as a course of antimalarial medication.
“The most stressful part of preparing for the trip was making sure we had the medical side covered,” said Kate, who was travelling with her two teenage children.
“I knew it was important that we took all the necessary precautions – obviously I didn’t want us to be at risk of any diseases we might come into contact with while on holiday.”
Keen to get everything sorted as quickly as possible, Kate headed to her local Boots. “We live near an absolutely massive Boots store,” she explained. “They have loads of things you need for a holiday right there, all the little miniature bottles and obviously sunscreen, so I always stop by before going away.
“I’d never used the Boots Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service before, but I was able to get an appointment for all three of us the same day. It was so convenient to be able to sort everything in one place.”
Suitable for adults, as well as children aged two and over, the service is available in nearly 300 stores across the UK*. Boots also offers a Malaria Prevention Service in more than 1,700 stores**.
During your Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service appointment, a healthcare professional will ask you a few questions about you and your travel plans, so that they can advise you on any vaccinations or antimalarials you should consider. You’ll also be given personalised advice to help you stay healthy on your trip.
And it’s a good idea to book an appointment for the service as early as possible. Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson says: “If you’re travelling abroad you should aim to access the service at least six to eight weeks before you travel, to help ensure you are fully protected ahead of departure if any vaccinations are needed.
“However, don’t worry if you’re travelling sooner than this, as we may still be able to help. The Boots Quick Check Tool – available at boots.com – can also help you understand the health risks of any country you might be visiting and what vaccinations you may want to consider.”
Kate may have been anticipating “the kind of holiday where I didn’t have to move”, but as it turned out, she and her children couldn’t resist exploring everything Gambia had to offer.
“We did a lot of swimming in the pool and in the sea, and we also ended up going on lots of sightseeing trips,” she said.
“One day we went to a monkey reserve; another day we visited an art village, and we checked out all the big markets and the national museum too.”
Reflecting on whether the process of extra preparations and accessing the service at Boots was worth it, Kate concluded: “It definitely was. Our holiday was amazing and it felt like a real escape, which was exactly what I needed.”
Explore Boots Travel Health Hub and book your own Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service appointment at boots.com/travel.
*In selected pharmacies, subject to availability. A consultation fee may apply.
**Eligibility criteria and charges apply.