Luxembourg's Travel Clinic at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg warns travellers heading to tropical destinations to book yellow fever and other vaccinations well in advance, with a doctor stressing growing risks from mosquito-borne diseases that are now spreading even in parts of Europe.
For those venturing beyond Europe, especially to tropical regions, the Travel Clinic at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) remains the only place in the country authorised to administer essential vaccines such as yellow fever.
Dr Pit Braquet, one of around eight doctors at the clinic, explained that demand peaks ahead of the main holiday seasons in June, July and December. He stated that they often have to add extra consultation slots because the waiting lists become too long, noting that the secretariat has already registered around 2,500 visits this year, compared to more than 5,000 before the pandemic.
The yellow fever vaccine is obligatory for entry into many African countries and is strongly recommended for parts of South America. During one consultation, Dr Braquet advised a traveller heading to Rio and Manaus in Brazil that a yellow fever jab, along with hepatitis A, was indispensable for visiting the Amazon basin. The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least ten days before departure, although medically, a month in advance is preferable. Once given, it provides lifelong protection.
The clinic also offers vaccines against typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and rabies, as well as prophylactic malaria treatments. For routine boosters such as tetanus or hepatitis A, patients can still turn to their family doctor.
Climate change is also shifting the map of risk. Dr Braquet pointed out that mosquitoes are expanding into new regions. He explained that diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus are becoming more common in parts of Italy and France where they had not appeared before.
For this reason, precautions matter even within Europe. Dr Braquet stressed that mosquito repellent remains the most effective everyday protection, while travellers on safaris or jungle treks should also pack mosquito nets, protective clothing, or even rely on air conditioning and fans where available. In high-risk zones, preventive malaria tablets may also be required.
The advice is clear: book an appointment early, ideally four to six weeks before departure, as soon as tickets are confirmed. However, the Travel Clinic also accommodates last-minute travellers who need urgent protection before boarding their flights.
