THIS month, our travel health columnist takes a look at details about the BCG, vaccinations and buying malaria medication abroad.

Q I heard recently that the BCG vaccination will no longer be given - is this correct?

A Yes this is correct. The decision was based on sound research it will be no longer part of the National School Immunisation Programme.

This disease, Tuberculosis for which BCG is administered is no longer a disease of the whole population. The incidence of TB has dropped dramatically from about 50,000 cases per year in the 1950s to about 6,800 per year in 1980.

However, the vaccination will still be offered to certain groups; babies where there is a history of TB in parents or grandparents, babies living in areas where the incidence of TB is very high or housing unvaccinated new immigrants from a high risk country with TB.

The vaccination will continue to be available for health care workers, vets, prison staff, contacts of known cases, those who intend to live or work abroad in high risk countries for one month or more.

Q I'm going to work abroad in an African Country for six months and my malaria medication is proving to be very expensive - can I buy it abroad?

A You are strongly advised to buy you medication here. The advisory Committee on Malaria Prophylaxis (ACMP) who advise professionals, says your tablets abroad may not be what you think they are. So to be sure, buy all you medications and vaccines at a safe source. Check with your GP.

Q How soon should I have my vaccinations before I travel?

A If we lived in a an ideal world, with plenty of time, you should have yours at least six weeks before travelling. This allows you to be recovered from any sides effects.

It also allows the vaccines to work on your body's immune system to make the antibodies to protect you against the disease.

If you have left it too late and have your vaccinations one week before you travel, you must remember that full protection from it will not be made.

One example of this would be if you have your Hepatitis A vaccination a few days before travelling. In this case you should be extra vigilant with regards to food/drink and hygiene.

Drink only bottled water, avoid ice, avoid shell fish, ensure hot food is hot, thoroughly cooked, avoid buying food from road side vendors and practise good hygiene.

Q Are there vaccinations for every single disease that could be contracted abroad?

A No. However the vaccines we have today in relation to travel are very safe and very reliable.

In fact it is said that only five per cent of diseases contracted abroad are preventable by immunisation.

So the rest is depending on you being safe, sensible and well informed about the country, its disease risks and danger prevention.

For excellent travel advice, log on to www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.

BY HELEN JOHNSTON