Dr Mahmoud Medhat Mahmoud Aboumousa, Critical Care Medicine Specialist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, urges UAE residents to seek travel health advice four to six weeks before departure, warning that delayed vaccinations may leave travellers exposed to preventable infectious diseases.

Dubai: As UAE residents prepare for international holidays, business trips and family visits, a Dubai-based medical specialist is warning that one important part of travel planning is frequently overlooked: ensuring vaccinations are completed early enough to provide effective protection.

Dr Mahmoud Medhat Mahmoud Aboumousa, Critical Care Medicine Specialist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, said travellers often focus on flight bookings, hotel reservations and visa arrangements while leaving vaccination requirements until the final days before departure.

This delay can create unnecessary health risks, particularly when travelling to destinations where certain infectious diseases are more prevalent or where specific vaccinations are required for entry.

Why vaccination timing matters

According to Dr Aboumousa, vaccines do not always provide immediate protection. Some require several weeks for an adequate immune response to develop, while others involve multiple doses administered over a longer period.

“Leaving vaccination until the last minute may mean the body does not have enough time to develop protection, multi-dose vaccines cannot be completed, and side effects may occur during the trip,” he explained.

He added that vaccination requirements sometimes become apparent surprisingly late in the travel planning process, creating avoidable anxiety and potentially disrupting travel arrangements.

For travellers heading to destinations with specific entry requirements, failure to obtain the appropriate vaccination or documentation in time may also affect their journey.

Measles remains an important travel concern

Dr Aboumousa highlighted international public health recommendations encouraging travellers to ensure they are adequately protected against measles before travelling abroad.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among people who are not immune, particularly in crowded environments.

Airports, international flights and large gatherings can increase opportunities for exposure to infectious diseases.

He advised travellers to review their vaccination history and consult a healthcare professional about any missing or recommended doses, particularly if their immunisation records are incomplete.

Who should seek medical advice before travelling?

Although travel health preparation is important for everyone, Dr Aboumousa emphasised that certain groups require additional attention.

“Families with children, elderly relatives, pregnant women, or people with diabetes, heart disease, weak immunity or chronic respiratory illness should seek travel health advice four to six weeks before departure,” he said.

These travellers may face greater risks from certain infections or may require individualised vaccination recommendations based on their medical history.

Pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, in particular, should receive professional guidance because some vaccines may not be appropriate for them.

Airports and crowded destinations can increase exposure

Dr Aboumousa warned that infectious disease risks are not limited to remote or tropical destinations.

Crowded airports, religious gatherings, large public events and places with different patterns of infectious diseases can present additional challenges for travellers.

“High-risk travellers may be exposed to preventable infections in crowded airports, religious gatherings, rural areas or destinations with different disease patterns,” he said.

He explained that travel health advice should consider the destination, duration of travel, planned activities, vaccination history and any underlying medical conditions.

Four to six weeks could make a difference

Dr Aboumousa recommends arranging a travel health consultation ideally four to six weeks before departure, allowing sufficient time to review vaccination records, complete recommended immunisations where possible and discuss destination-specific health risks.

He stressed that travellers should still seek medical advice even if their departure date is approaching, as some vaccinations and preventive measures may remain beneficial.

“Preparing for international travel should involve more than checking passports and booking flights. Protecting your health before departure is equally important, particularly for vulnerable travellers. Early medical advice can help prevent unnecessary complications and allow families to travel with greater confidence,” Dr Aboumousa concluded.