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Planning an exciting trip abroad? Don’t forget your travel vaccinations- they’re just as important as your passport. Some destinations carry health risks that we don’t encounter in the UK. In this guide, we’ll break down which vaccines you may need, when and where to get them, and how to stay protected while you explore the world.
What vaccinations could you need?
The vaccinations that you will need will depend on what country you are visiting! Most countries tend to require the same protection as us here in the UK. This includes vaccines provided as part of the government’s routine immunisation schedule, which offers protection against infections such as: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
However, there are several other important vaccinations to consider when travelling to countries where illnesses are more common.
These consist of:
Hepatitis A
What it is: A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water.
Vaccine needed? Yes – recommended for most travellers to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South/Central America.
Protection: One dose offers short-term protection; a booster gives long-term cover.
Hepatitis B
What it is: A serious liver infection spread through blood and bodily fluids.
Vaccine needed? Yes- especially for long stays, medical work, or close contact with locals in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Protection: A course of 3 injections provides long-term immunity.
Typhoid
What it is: A bacterial infection causing fever, weakness, and stomach pain; spread via contaminated food or water.
Vaccine needed? Yes- for travel to parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
Protection: Lasts around 3 years (available as an injection or oral capsules).
Cholera
What it is: A bacterial illness causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, spread through dirty water.
Vaccine needed? Recommended for high-risk areas or humanitarian/aid work.
Protection: Oral vaccine protects for around 2 years.
Bacterial Meningitis
What it is: A fast-acting bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Vaccine needed? Required for Hajj/Umrah in Saudi Arabia, and recommended for sub-Saharan Africa.
Protection: Lasts around 5 years.
Yellow Fever
What it is: A mosquito-borne virus causing fever, liver damage, and potentially death.
Vaccine needed? Mandatory for entry into certain countries in Africa and South America.
Protection: A single dose gives lifelong immunity; an international certificate is issued.
Rabies
What it is: A deadly virus spread through bites/scratches from infected animals.
Vaccine needed? Recommended for remote travel, animal work, or long stays in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
Protection: Three pre-exposure doses offer protection but post-bite treatment is still vital.
Japanese Encephalitis
What it is: A viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes in rural Asia and parts of the Western Pacific.
Vaccine needed? For long-term stays or rural travel in endemic areas (e.g. Thailand, Vietnam, China).
Protection: Two doses provide 1–2 years of protection.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
What it is: A viral disease transmitted by ticks, causing brain inflammation.
Vaccine needed? Recommended for hikers or campers in forested areas of Central/Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
Protection: Full course gives 3–5 years of cover.
For more information on the vaccinations required for your trip, please visit the following links: Travel Health Pro NHS Fit for Travel
When should you get your vaccinations?
- For Hepatitis A and B, the number of doses depends on your personal health and travel plans. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider at least 5 weeks before your trip.
- The typhoid vaccine is recommended at least two weeks before your trip. One dose typically offers protection for about three years.
- Cholera requires two doses, administered between 1 and 6 weeks apart to complete the vaccination.
- Bacterial meningitis vaccination requires a single dose, given at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
- A single yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting protection, usually for life, and should be administered at least 10 days before you travel.
- If you’re considering the rabies vaccine, speak with your healthcare professional at least 8 weeks before travelling. This allows enough time to receive the full course of three doses, spaced appropriately.
- A full course of Japanese encephalitis vaccination involves two doses, which should be completed at least 5 weeks before travelling.
- Finally, for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), two doses provide around one year of protection. The first dose should be given at least one month before you travel.
Where should you get your vaccinations?
Firstly you need to contact your GP to ensure your current vaccinations are all up to date! Once this is done you can get some of your vaccinations free on the NHS. These consist of:
- Polio (given as a combined diphtheria/ tetanus/ polio jab)
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Cholera
The remaining vaccines are not available on the NHS and you will have to pay for them:
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Rabies
- Tik-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever
You can download our travel health checklist below to help you stay safe and prepared on your trip!
FAQ:
What is the most common travel vaccination? Hepatitis A vaccine for travel to most other countries in the world.
Which countries require the typhoid vaccine? Most countries require this however it is particularly important in areas of Asia and Africa.
Do I need jabs for Thailand? Yes, some jabs are recommended and even required for you to enter the country.
How far in advance should you get vaccines for travel? It's generally recommended to get travel vaccinations 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow sufficient time for the vaccines to become effective.
Looking for more travel advice? Visit our Travel Guides over on our Health Hub.
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Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From helping you with your travel vaccinations, to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.