Travel vaccinations

Travel vaccinations are essential when you're going to certain parts of the world.

Where do I go to get travel vaccinations?
What travel vaccinations do I need?
How much will my travel vaccinations cost?
When should I get my travel vaccinations?
How effective are travel vaccinations?

Where do I go to get travel vaccinations?

More about
Malaria prevention

Your travel vaccinations will usually be given by a nurse rather than a doctor. To find a travel health nurse, you can either search for a nearby travel health clinic in the Yellow Pages, or you can see if your local GP has a travel health nurse (many do). Your nurse will also talk you through other travel health issues, including malaria prevention.

What travel vaccinations do I need?

This depends mainly on where you're going. Once you've finalised your route, take the list of countries to the travel health nurse and s/he will talk you through the various vaccinations that are recommended. It's your choice whether you have them or not - some vaccinations are only considered necessary if you're staying somewhere for an extended period of time, or if you are doing particular work (like medical work).

Some vaccinations are given in a course (eg rabies and hepatitis). Having only one out of 3 jabs in a course will give you some protection, but obviously not as much as the full course.

Some countries will require you to have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination before they let you in.

Finally, do remember to tell your travel nurse of any medication you're on, or any illness or condition (including pregnancy).

How much will my travel vaccinations cost?

You will have to pay for most of your vaccinations. A few (like a tetanus booster if you're due one) are available on the NHS. Your nurse should tell you how much the whole course is before you start. You may also have to pay an administration fee.

Expect to pay a minimum of £100.

When should I get my travel vaccinations?

You should start getting your vaccinations at least 3 months before you travel. This is because ones that are given in a course (eg hepatitis B) take 3 months for the whole course to be given - you have to wait a minimum period between jabs.

If you're going at the last minute, don't worry too much, as even one jab will give more protection than none.

How effective are travel vaccinations?

Your jabs will not give you 100% protection against illness. Sometimes they will not prevent you getting an illness but minimise the effects. Travel vaccinations are certainly worth getting, but they do not make you invincible! Pay attention to your travel nurse when s/he gives you general travel health advice. Taking sensible precautions while you're travelling will help make sure you get nothing worse than a tummy bug.