If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to make sure that you check out which vaccinations you require.  In some countries you may need several, while for visiting other countries you won’t need any.  The vaccinations you require will depend on a variety of factors including:

  • The country you’ll be visiting – and sometimes which region of that country
  • The time of year/season during which your visit will take place
  • Where you’ll be staying – developed area or not, rural or urban
  • What you’ll be doing while there – working, sightseeing, camping etc.
  • The length of your stay
  • Your age
  • Your state of current health

Certain vaccinations take time to take effect and therefore need to be given some weeks before you travel to be fully effective during your trip.  For this reason it’s best to speak to your GP well in advance – 8-12 weeks ideally – to make certain you get the timing right.

Check that your existing UK vaccinations are up to date too.  Booster jabs for polio and tetanus are advisable if you’re visiting certain places and your current vaccines aren’t up to date.

There are a number of places where you can get detailed advice and information about different travel vaccinations.  Your GP or practice nurse should be your primary source of advice.  But you can also find more information on the internet about what’s required where.

The NHS Fit for travel website has information on the vaccinations required for every country in the world.  Another NHS site can give you information about the vaccines themselves including which are available on the NHS and which you’ll need to pay for.

MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) will help you locate your nearest private travel health clinic and can also give you a free travel brief to help you decide what you’ll require.  You provide them with details about yourself, the trip you’re taking and what you’ll be doing and all your relevant treatment and medical history and they provide you with a free travel brief.

Yellow fever vaccine has to be given at a special yellow fever vaccination centre.  The NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) can help you locate a yellow fever vaccination centre in your area.