Planning a holiday abroad this summer? Whether you are heading to Thailand, Egypt, India, or Spain, getting the right travel vaccinations before you fly is one of the most important health steps you can take.
The UK routine immunisation programme protects against many diseases found at home, but it does not cover the full range of infections present in tropical and developing countries. Travel vaccinations significantly reduce your risk of serious illness abroad and some are legally required for entry into certain destinations.
How Early Should You Book Travel Vaccinations?
Book your travel vaccination appointment at least four to eight weeks before departure. Some vaccine courses require multiple doses spread over several weeks. Rabies pre-exposure requires three doses over 21 to 28 days. Hepatitis B requires three doses over a minimum of four weeks. Typhoid takes two weeks to become fully effective. If you are travelling in under four weeks, book immediately, as partial courses still offer meaningful protection.
Vaccinations by Destination
Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Balearics
Ensure your MMR is up to date, as measles cases are rising across Europe. Hepatitis A is recommended if eating at local markets or smaller restaurants. Check your Tetanus booster is current. No yellow fever certificate is required, and there is no malaria risk at these destinations.
Turkey
Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended for all travellers. Typhoid is advised for those venturing outside resort areas. Hepatitis B for longer stays or those with medical conditions.
Thailand
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are strongly recommended. Rabies pre-exposure is advised for outdoor activities and rural travel. Japanese Encephalitis for stays of four weeks or more in rural areas. Ensure all routine UK boosters are current. Low malaria risk in forested border areas except in beach resorts.
India
India requires the most comprehensive preparation. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster are essential. Rabies is recommended for most travellers. Japanese Encephalitis for rural travel during or after the monsoon season. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for many Indian itineraries. Speak to a pharmacist for destination-specific advice.
Egypt
Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended for all travellers. Typhoid for those venturing beyond resort hotels. Hepatitis B for longer stays. Malaria risk is negligible at Red Sea resorts.
Morocco
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a Tetanus booster are recommended. Rabies vaccination is advised for extended stays or outdoor activities. Very low malaria risk in tourist areas.
Which Travel Vaccines Are Free on the NHS?
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (combined booster) (DTP), MMR, and in some circumstances Typhoid and Cholera, are available free as part of the NHS routine schedule. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever are typically charged privately at pharmacies and travel clinics. Many community pharmacies, including those available through Charac, administer travel vaccines without a GP referral.
Can I Get Travel Vaccinations at a UK Pharmacy?
Yes. Community pharmacies across the UK are authorised to provide travel health consultations and administer a wide range of travel vaccines, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, Meningitis ACWY, and Japanese Encephalitis. Yellow Fever is available at authorised centres only. Using Charac, you can find a travel vaccination pharmacy near you, check availability, and book online without a GP referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I get travel vaccinations?
At least four to eight weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose courses to complete.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine for Thailand or India?
No, only if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country in Africa or South America.
Can I get the Hepatitis A vaccine at a UK pharmacy?
Yes, it is widely available privately at community pharmacies without a GP referral.
Is the Tetanus vaccine free on the NHS for travel?
Yes, the combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (DTP) booster is free if you are not up to date.
Do children need the same travel vaccinations as adults?
Many vaccines are suitable for children, though minimum age requirements vary. A pharmacist can advise based on age and destination.
Where can I find a travel vaccination pharmacy near me?
Use Charac to search by postcode for pharmacies offering travel vaccinations and book an appointment online.
