Going on Holiday and Kidney Transplantation
Date issued: October 2022
Review date: October 2024
Ref: A-506/AS/Renal/Going on Holiday and Kidney Transplantation
PDF: Going on Holiday final October 2022.pdf [pdf] 254KB
Travelling after your kidney transplant:
It is important to speak with your transplant team before planning a holiday, to make sure you are well enough to travel. The team will also be able to give you tips for travel.
Make sure you take telephone numbers for the Transplant Team with you, just in case you need any advice whilst away.
When can I travel?
UK: 0-6 months post-transplant
Europe: 6-12 months post-transplant
Worldwide: After 1-year post-transplant
Advice for Flying
Drink plenty of water, take regular walks on the plane where possible and do regular exercises (e.g., shoulder rolls, calf rises etc.
Medications
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You may not be able to obtain the same tablets whilst abroad, so it is important you take enough (plus 1 week extra).
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Take your medications in your hand luggage, it is advised that you bring a letter from the hospital explaining why you need to carry medications as well as your medical needs. Please ask the transplant team to provide one of these.
Insurance
Make sure your insurance covers all your current and pre-existing medical conditions.
Eating and drinking abroad
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Drink bottled water. Never drink untreated water – avoid salads / ice-cream/ ice-cubes that may have been made using untreated water.
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Take special care when buying from street vendors, due to food poisoning risks.
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Make sure meat is cooked thoroughly.
Care in the sun
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Wear high factor sunscreen, SPF 50+ with 4+ star rating. Apply every 2-3 hours, not forgetting areas such as hands, feet, lips, ears, and the back of the neck.
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Try and avoid the sun if possible and keep in the shade where you can, especially during the hours of 11am-3pm. Do not sit in the sun/sunbathe.
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Make sure to wear a hat (preferably wide brimmed) and closely woven clothing.
Travel Vaccinations
Please contact your local pharmacy to confirm what vaccinations (if any) you need to travel. Please bring the list with you to your next transplant clinic, so the team can discuss which ones are safe for you to have. You must NEVER HAVE LIVE VACCINES as they can cause severe infections and could be potentially life-threatening.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tourism For All: https://www.tourismforall.org.uk/
NHS Travel Vaccinations: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/
