I'm taking the babes to Brazil. I'm not a particularly cautious person, but I want to make sure that they're properly protected from any nasty diseases. But finding out which jabs one-year-olds need has been a challenge. I've had a huge amount of contradictory advice. I've called five different clinics, the Guardian doctor and my GP, and the score so far is four for yellow fever, three against. It probably isn't necessary unless we're taking a dug-out up the Amazon. That's not my intention, but you never know what may tempt us when we get there.

Deciding to get the jab is one thing; finding someone who'll give it is another. My GP, like many, doesn't do yellow fever. GPs also require six weeks' notice for travel requirements; we're off in a fortnight. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases (thehtd.org) won't give information over the phone. The British Airway's clinic is up a spiral staircase, not great for a double buggy (british airways.co.uk).

There is also the cost. Most private clinics charge around £40 a shot. The MASTA clinic quoted £300 for all of us, double my nine-year-old's air fare to Rio (masta.org). GPs may charge as little as £6 a pinprick.

And yellow fever is only the first health hurdle. There's typhoid and hepatitis A to worry about as well. BA said they weren't necessary for the twins, as both diseases are water borne and you're likely to be careful about what babies drink and eat abroad anyway. But the Guardian doctor warned that hep A is ubiquitous in Brazil. She recommended Havrix Junior Monodose vaccine, which can be given from one. And the nine-year-old should have the combined typhoid and hep A jab. You just have to find someone who does it.

But where does a medically ignorant parent turn for reliable, reasonable travel treatments for kids? Perhaps you know.

If you have any experiences of travelling with kids that you want to share, email deabirkett@cs.com.