Football’s World Cup will be staged in the US, Mexico and Canada next summer and for fans of England and Scotland, that means an exciting trip for those who can afford the very expensive tickets.
As well as the matches, fans may want to travel around the countries in question and see the sights. However, as with any overseas travel plans, extensive forward planning will be required. This is especially true when it comes to health and vaccinations.
Some people might be reluctant to visit the US due to the proposed requirement that visitors disclose the last five years of their social media. However, all three of England’s group matches will be in the United States. The same is true for Scotland.
Should Wales or Northern Ireland progress through the play-offs, two of their games will be in the US, with the other being a clash with co-hosts Canada in Toronto.
This means that, at first, there won’t be any parochial reason for fans of the home nations to visit Mexico, although travellers might want to make it part of the trip or take in other matches in the tournament played in the country.
How Could England End Up Playing In Mexico?
However, if England win their group, they could be on course to play a last 16 game in Mexico City, possibly against the co-hosts. Other host cities in the country include Guadalajara and Monterrey. The country has previously hosted the whole tournament twice, in 1970 and 1986.
While there may be issues with social media and other concerns about visiting the US, trips there or to Canada will be unlikely to require vaccinations. However, Mexico is another matter, especially for anyone venturing out of the main cities.
Foreign Office advice notes that the following are common potential health threats in the country:
· Zika virus
· Chikungunya
· Dengue fever
· Air pollution
Of these, the last is a consequence of poor air quality in urban areas and not a thing you can get vaccinations against. However, our travel health services can provide you with vaccinations against other health threats.
What Vaccinations Should You Get Before Visiting Mexico?
The vaccinations you are recommended to get or have up to date include protection against the following:
· Hepatitis A
· Tetanus
· Typhoid
· Chikungunya (in areas with an outbreak
· Dengue fever (in areas with an outbreak)
Rabies is also listed, but this is only for those undertaking high-risk activities like cycling or running, or likely to be in the country for over a month.
However, anyone who does get a scratch or bite should seek urgent medical attention. The case of a British woman who died from rabies earlier this year after being scratched by a dog in Morocco should act as a cautionary tale.
As with any vaccinations, it is important to get them at least several weeks in advance of leaving, so that they have taken effect by the time you might encounter a virus.
Moreover, the protection you get will be long-term or even for life, so you can get them soon and have that dealt with while you get on with the rest of your planning, whether you are heading to Mexico for football, to enjoy its culture, to relax at its beach resorts, or all of these things.