Travel Vaccinations

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some vaccines, such as Hepatitis and Yellow Fever vaccinations, involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

Firstly, complete this online form and return it the GP practice to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date. We will check your previous record of vaccinations, and advise whether further vaccines are required for protection based on your travel destination. The GP's travel nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area. The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS if your GP practice is signed up to provide vaccination (immunisation) services.

polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
typhoid
hepatitis A
cholera

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

If you require vaccinations that are private, such as Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines, you can try a:

private travel vaccination clinic eg. NOMAD travel clinic
pharmacy offering travel healthcare services (such as Boots, Superdrug etc.)

There will be a cost for private vaccinations and treatment, and this can vary depending on the service that you access. You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres.

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

For more information visit www.nathnac.org, or phone NHS 111.

visit