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Travelling with children in a pandemic: What we can do
Lifestyle

Travelling with children in a pandemic: What we can do

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    Published on 3 April 2022

    As our borders begin to open, leisure travel is gradually becoming a real prospect to the travel-starved masses.

    But for families with young children – many of whom may still be unvaccinated – some extra precautions should be taken, shared Dr Chan Si Min, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital (NUH).

    SHARED BY DR CHAN SI MIN, HEAD & SENIOR CONSULTANT, DIVISION OF PAEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, KHOO TECK PUAT – NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CHILDREN’S MEDICAL INSTITUTE, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (NUH). Travelling        WITH CHILDREN Read up on the COVID-19 situationin the destination country. Check COVID-19 restrictions and regulations in the destination country.Ensure adequate travel insuranceto cover the costs of COVID-19-related medical treatment and delayed travel.For children above six months old, get them vaccinated against influenza, which causes symptoms similar to COVID-19.Pack supplies that may not be easily available overseas (e.g. face masks, hand sanitiser, alcohol wipes).Pack essentialmedical supplies (e.g. paracetamol, antihistamines, thermometer, oximeter). Beforethe trip: Be aware of how to access local healthcare services (e.g. the clinic or emergency department)    should anyone fall sick.Draw up contingency plans(e.g. what to do and where to stay)   in case the trip has to be extended, if someone develops COVID-19 infection and cannot take a return flight.Prepare documentation of vaccination status for each traveller.Find outwhere and how to get your pre-departure swab before the return flight to Singapore. For children in school, parents and caregivers may need to notify the school of their overseas travel plansduring the school holidays. During the trip: Practiceappropriate hand hygiene and mask-wearing. Avoid large crowds, especially indoors. Afterthe trip: Monitorfor symptoms.If possible, avoid frequentsocial mixing for 7-10 daysafter returning home. As our borders gradually begin to open, leisure travel is becoming a real prospect to the travel-starved masses. But for families with young children– many of whom may still be unvaccinated – some extra precautions should be taken.

    Note: This information is accurate as of the date of publication. 

    In consultation with Dr Chan Si Min, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute, NUH.

    Download the full infographics here.

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