Vaccinations are part and parcel of raising a healthy child, however he or she may kick, scream and hate you for them.

The jabs that come in the national childhood immunisation schedule include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diptheria, measles, mumps and tetanus.

But what if you are planning a vacation?

While these provide protection against important universal childhood diseases, there are other vaccines that the child traveller needs.

'Individual vaccines are recommended based on the travel risks of catching disease, depending on the country you visit and the duration of stay,' said DrMark Loh, paediatric specialist with International Medical Clinic (IMC).

He suggests that you plan weeks ahead so that vaccines have time to take effect before you start your trip.

Whether to vaccinate or not also depends on the type of holiday you are taking. Is it going to be city-based or are you going off the beaten track?

Dr Marcus Lam, senior family physician with the Raffles Medical Group, recommends researching the destination so that you know the risks involved: 'Not all diseases can be protected by a vaccination, so don't let that injection give you a false sense of security.

'And not all doctors are trained in travel medicine. Many do not know how to assess the risk of the country you are travelling to, and may either over or under recommend vaccinations.'

Both doctors did warn of side-effects. They explained that vaccines are meant to stimulate the body's immune system. Children can sometimes experience redness, swelling or discomfort around the injection site. Other side-effects include fever, rash and loss of appetite or irritability. These reactions are usually mild and don't last that long.

Infant Panadol can be given after the vaccination to ease discomfort and fever. Said Dr Loh: 'It is not always possible to avoid side-effects, but it is far more important to be adequately protected by being up to date with required vaccinations.'

So what other precautions are needed to ensure the safety of the youngest members of the family?

Be on high alert if your child is a curious toucher and taster, warned Dr Lam. Babies and toddlers put everything in their mouths and use touch to explore their surroundings. This could be dangerous.

Parents know their children better than anyone, so judge what your child can understand when it comes to the risks of your holiday destination.

One of the issues, even before you reach your destination, is the effects of long distance travel on sleeping.

Dr Loh said: 'It is important to ensure they get adequate sleep before the trip. Take along familiar toys, blankets or bottles to allow them to rest and keep hydrated on a plane trip. Older children need books and games to keep them entertained. Plan your itinerary well with lots of time to rest, as young kids need time to adjust to the changing environment and tire easily.

If the holiday is in the region, protection against insects is important because there is no vaccine against malaria or dengue fever, said Dr Loh, who recommends you use insect repellents appropriate for young children and avoid visiting rural or forested areas at dusk.

Spread the repellent on areas not covered by clothing and remember that it is washed off by sweat and swimming, so you need to re-apply, advised DrLam.

The doctors recommend packing a small medical kit for minor ailments. It should contain a thermometer, insect repellent, a sunscreen and antiseptic or anti-inflammatory creams for bites and cuts. Oral medicines can include Panadol, diarrhoea remedies like Smecta and Lacteolforte, and antihistamines for allergies or colds (for children above two years).

And don't forget sterile strips and plasters for all those scrapes that will occur.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Apr 16, 2008.