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Travel vaccinations

Find out which travel vaccines you might need - and when to get them

Not sure which travel jabs you need? Our tool makes it easy. Just tell us where you're going, and we'll show you which vaccines are recommended, when to get them and how much it might cost.

This guidance is a starting point. For personalised advice, it's always best to speak to your GP, nurse, or travel clinic.

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*This information is for general guidance only and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult your GP, nurse, or a travel health clinic for personalised recommendations. All data is sourced from Travel Health Pro. For the most up-to-date information, please visit their official website.

Where can I get travel vaccinations?

There's a few ways to get sorted:

Your GP

Some travel jabs are free on the NHS. But appointments fill up fast, and not all clinics keep them in stock. It's worth getting booked in early - especially if you need to go elsewhere for jabs not covered by the NHS.

Private clinic

A good pick if you want everything sorted in one go. You'll need to pay, but clinics often have better availability and faster turnaround times - ideal if you're short on time or juggling a tight itinerary.

High street pharmacy

Boots Pharmacy, Superdrug Health Clinic and others offer travel vaccines with easy online booking. You'll need to pay, but it's a handy option if you can't get in at your GP, or need any jabs they don't provide.

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When should I get my travel jabs?

Most jabs are recommended at least 6-8 weeks before you go. Booking a consultation earlier than that gives you a better shot at nabbing a slot - especially during busy travel seasons.

And if one place is booked up or out of stock, you'll still have time to go elsewhere. Give yourself that wiggle room!

If you're heading off last-minute, there's still a chance to get sorted. Speak to your GP, nurse or a travel clinic - they might be able to offer faster, accelerated courses to make sure you've got the protection you need in time.

What travel vaccinations can I get for free on the NHS?

A few travel vaccinations are available on the NHS if your destination has a higher risk of certain diseases, or if the vaccines are classed as essential.

You might be able to get the following for free:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Cholera
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (combined vaccine)

Anything else - like yellow fever, rabies or Japanese encephalitis - you'll probably need to pay for privately.

Do I need proof of my vaccination to travel?

For most places, travel jabs aren't a legal requirement - so you won't be asked to show proof when you arrive.

You should be given a vaccine record when you get your jabs. Keep it with you and store it somewhere easy to reach. If you need medical treatment while you're away, it can help doctors understand what you've already been protected against.

Some countries do require proof of certain vaccines - yellow fever is the main one. If that applies to your trip, you'll be told during your consultation. For these places, you'll need to carry a valid certificate to enter.

Current health warnings and outbreak alerts

It's worth taking a quick look to see if there's any current outbreaks or health alerts in the area you're heading to.

Staying clued-up can help you feel more prepared - and means you won't be caught off guard if extra precautions are advised.

What's recommended can vary a lot from place to place - so even if you've travelled somewhere similar before, it's still worth double-checking.

Some good places to find the latest info:

Risk prevention - how to stay safe while your traveling

A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping you healthy on your trip:

  • Get vaccinated in good time - Some vaccines need more than one dose, and most take a few weeks to kick in. The sooner you book in, the better.
  • Be picky about food and drink - In some countries, bugs like hepatitis A and typhoid are common. Stick to sealed bottled water, avoid ice and raw food, and be cautious with street food.
  • Keep your hands clean - Clean your hands with soap and water - especially before eating. Germs love to spread by touch, but clean hands can help stop them in their tracks.
  • Take malaria tablets if needed - There's no vaccine for malaria, but tablets can help. If you're heading to an at-risk area, you might be recommended a course of antimalarials.
  • Check how long your protection lasts - Some vaccines only offer protection for a few years. If you've had travel jabs in the past, check if you need a booster.
  • Know what symptoms to watch for - If you feel unwell -especially with fever, diarrhoea or rashes - don't ignore it. See a a doctor as soon as possible to find out what’s wrong.

What to pack to stay safe on your trip

Chucking these smart extras in your bag can make a big difference if you get ill, injured or just want to feel a bit more prepared while you're away.

  • Insect repellent - Heading somewhere with mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue or malaria? Pack insect repellent with 20%-50% DEET and re-apply, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Rehydration salts - Whether it's heat or a funny tummy that gets you, these help replace lost fluid fast. Bonus: they won't take up much space in your bag.
  • A small first aid kit - Pack the basics you might need for minor issues - things like plasters, pain relief, antiseptic cream and any regular medication.
  • Hand sanitiser - A travel essential when soap and water aren't nearby. Use it before meals and after touching high-contact surfaces to help keep germs at bay.
  • Prescribed medication - If you've been given malaria tablets or anything else for your trip, make sure to pack them and stick to the schedule you've been given.
  • Anything that helps you sleep safely - Long-sleeved pyjamas, plug-in repellents or a mosquito net can help you sleep better - and protect you from bites while you rest.

Does travel insurance cover vaccines?

Not usually - most policies won't cover the cost of getting your vaccines before you travel, so you'll need to book and pay for them yourself.

But travel insurance can still be a really important part of staying protected. If you do get poorly while you're away, your policy could help cover things like medical treatment, hospital care, or even getting you back home if you need it.

Think of it like this - vaccines help lower your risk of getting sick, and insurance can support you if something unexpected still happens. They work best together, so it's worth making sure you're covered on both fronts before you go.

Just one thing to keep in mind: if you ignore vaccine advice and become unwell with something preventable, your insurer might not pay out. Getting your jabs sorted can help make sure you're properly protected - not just against illness, but when it comes to making a successful insurance claim too.

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Need more help?

Are travel vaccinations safe if I have a medical condition?

Usually yes, but it can depend on your condition and the type of vaccine. A health professional can let you know what's safe for you.

Do children need different travel vaccinations?

Most kids can have the same ones as adults, but some might not be suitable for younger ages or need smaller doses. It's worth getting tailored advice before you travel.

Are travel vaccinations safe if I'm breastfeeding?

Some should be fine, others might not be recommended. Chat with your doctor or nurse - they'll help you figure out what's needed and what's safe for the both of you.

Do I need to be up to date on routine vaccinations?

Yes - it's important to be up to date before you travel.

It's easy to focus on travel vaccines, but routine jabs matter too. These are some of the most common ones recommended for life in the UK:

  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Polio
  • MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella)