A guide to travel vaccinations

Planning a trip abroad? Before you pack your bags, don’t forget to check if you need a vaccine.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel vaccinations, from why you need them to where to get them.

What is a vaccine?

Sometimes called a jab, a vaccine helps your body build defences against certain diseases. It trains your immune system to fight infection, without making you seriously ill.

So, if you’re jetting off somewhere new, it can protect you from diseases you might not come across at home.

Why do I need travel vaccinations?

In the UK, you need routine vaccinations, like measles or mumps. But they don’t always protect you from overseas diseases.

Here are a few reasons you might need to get a vaccine for your trip:

Health protection

Vaccines protect you against serious illness while you’re away. So, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about avoidable infections.

Entry rules

Some countries won’t let you enter without proof you’ve had specific vaccines. You might not be allowed to board your flight or get through border control if you can’t show this.

Community safety

Getting vaccinated also protects other people. It reduces the chance you’ll bring infections home or spread them to vulnerable people on your trip.

When should I get my travel vaccinations?

The NHS recommends you should book your jabs at least four to six weeks before you travel.

Some vaccines need more than one dose, and your body needs time to build immunity.

Just make sure your doctor is aware if you:

• are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• have a weak immune system
• have any allergies

Where can I get my travel vaccinations?

You can get travel vaccines through the NHS or a private clinic, depending on what you need.

Using the NHS

Check if your local GP is signed up to give free NHS travel vaccinations. This is the cheapest option, but they might not be able to provide the specific vaccine you need.  

If it’s not available on the NHS, ask your doctor:

• for written information on the necessary vaccines
• how much the dose or course should cost
• any other charges, like a certificate of vaccination

Going private

Private clinics sometimes have a wider range of vaccines available. But there will be a fee, and you might need a consultation first.

If you’re struggling to find a private clinic, some pharmacies and healthcare shops offer travel vaccines too.

How much are travel vaccinations?

The cost of travel vaccines depends on which country you’re travelling to and the diseases you need vaccinating against.  

Free travel vaccinations available on the NHS include:

• polio
• typhoid
• hepatitis A
• cholera

Vaccinations you’ll need to pay for include:

• hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• meningitis
• rabies
• tick-borne encephalitis
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever – only available from specific Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres (YFVCs)

Travel vaccinations by country

The vaccines you need depend on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing and your health and vaccination history. You should also make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date.

The table below is just a quick guide to some popular destinations. But make sure you check the latest advice on TravelHealthPro and speak to a travel health professional.