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.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

You should seek assistance regarding travel vaccination at least 6 to 8 weeks before you’re due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity, and some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you’re:

travelling in rural areas
backpacking
staying in hostels or camping
on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

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.

Which travel vaccines are free?

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

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.

Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?

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. It’s worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

Please note that Market Surgery does not offer vaccinations not offered by the NHS and therefore attracting a fee. Patients should contact a Private Travel Clinic regarding these vaccinations.