Travelling abroad can expose you to infections that are uncommon in the UK but more widespread in other regions. Vaccinations are an effective way to protect yourself against these preventable diseases and, in some cases, are a requirement for entry into certain countries.
Pharmacy M offers a wide range of travel vaccinations tailored to your specific destination, trip duration, and planned activities. We provide personalised advice on preventive strategies such as safe eating and drinking habits, and protection against insect bites, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a safe and healthy journey.
What Are Travel Vaccinations?
A travel vaccine is a preventive injection or oral medicine given to protect against infectious diseases that may be more common in the country you are visiting. The purpose is to reduce your risk of serious illness while travelling.
Before you are given any vaccine, a healthcare professional will carry out a clinical risk assessment. This involves reviewing your destination, planned activities, length of stay, health history, and current vaccinations. The timing of the travel vaccine is crucial because some require administration six to eight weeks before travel, allowing your body to develop full immunity.
Who Needs Travel Vaccinations?
You may need them if you are:
- Travelling to a country where certain diseases are more common
- Visiting friends and relatives for an extended stay
- Backpacking or camping in rural areas
- Travelling for work, including humanitarian or healthcare roles
- Travelling at short notice where rapid protection is needed
Higher risk groups include:
- People staying abroad for more than one month
- Those visiting remote areas with limited medical facilities
- Pregnant people and children
- Travellers with underlying health conditions
You should still make sure your routine NHS vaccinations, including MMR and polio, are up to date.
NHS vs Private Travel Vaccinations
Some vaccines are funded by the NHS for travel because they help protect the wider UK population, while others are only available privately.
Feature | NHS travel vaccines | Private travel vaccines |
| Access | GP surgeries and NHS clinics | Community pharmacies and private clinics |
| Eligibility | Free only for specific individuals | Open to all travellers |
| Free on NHS | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio booster given as Td/IPV, Cholera | Not applicable, all travel vaccines can be offered privately |
| Examples of private only | Not applicable | Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese encephalitis, Tick‑borne encephalitis, Meningitis ACWY, Dengue Fever and more |
| Waiting times | Maybe longer | Faster with flexible hours |
| Cost | Free if eligible | Charged per vaccine or dose |
| Booking | Usually through your GP | Book online or in person |
| Documentation | Standard records | Vaccination certificates were required |
Where To Get Travel Vaccinations
In the UK, there are three main places you can get travel vaccines. The right choice depends on your destination, timing, and whether the vaccines are available on the NHS.
1. Community pharmacy travel clinics
Many local pharmacies, including Pharmacy M, offer a wide range of NHS and private travel vaccines. Appointments are often available at short notice with flexible times to fit your schedule. Our pharmacist will complete a risk assessment, provide the vaccines you need, and issue any certificates for entry.
2. GP practices
Some GP surgeries provide travel vaccines funded by the NHS, such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and the combined tetanus, diphtheria, and polio booster. You may need to book several weeks in advance. Your GP records will be updated automatically. For vaccines not supplied by your GP, you can use a pharmacy or private clinic.
3. Travel health clinics
Specialist clinics offer comprehensive travel services. These clinics usually stock the full range of travel vaccines and can also provide malaria tablets, destination advice, and required certificates. They are helpful for complex itineraries or very short-notice travel.
Tip: Book as early as you can, ideally six to eight weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses or take time to become effective.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your itinerary, including countries and regions
- Dates of travel and length of stay
- Past vaccination records, if available
- Details of any medical conditions or medicines
- Any certificates from previous travel vaccinations
Travel Vaccines Available
Here is an overview of the travel vaccines we offer:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that spreads through contaminated food and water and is common in areas with poor sanitation. The Hepatitis A vaccine includes one dose and a booster at 6 to 12 months, providing long-term protection that typically lasts 25 years or more.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is also a viral liver infection that spreads via blood and body fluids. Hepatitis B vaccine is considered for long stays, travel with injury risk, or close contact with local communities. The usual course is three doses, with accelerated options available if time is short.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection from contaminated food or water. The Typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to parts of South Asia, Africa, and South America. Protection lasts around three years, after which a booster is advised if you remain at risk.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP)
DTP vaccine is a combined booster that tops up protection. If you completed your childhood schedule, a travel booster is usually advised if it has been more than 10 years and you are visiting higher-risk regions or will be far from medical care.
Cholera
It is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by contaminated food or water. The Cholera vaccine is usually recommended for humanitarian workers or travellers to areas with poor sanitation or active outbreaks. Given as two oral doses. A booster is recommended after two years.
Rabies
It is a fatal viral infection which spreads through animal bites or scratches. Rabies vaccination is considered for rural travel, working with animals, long trips, or limited access to urgent care. The standard schedule is three doses over 28 days.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito‑borne viral brain infection found in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long stays, rural travel, or outdoor evening activities in risk areas. Given as two doses 28 days apart.
Meningitis ACWY
Meningitis ACWY is a bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal cord. Required for Hajj and Umrah and advised for travel to the meningitis belt of sub‑Saharan Africa. One dose of the MenACWY vaccine is usually sufficient.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Ensure you have had two doses before travel, especially if visiting countries with recent outbreaks.
Shingles
The Shingles vaccine reduces the chance of shingles flare during trips. Often considered for older travellers. A full course consists of 2 doses, providing lasting protection.
Tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine
TBE is a viral brain infection transmitted by ticks in parts of Europe and Asia. Consider the TBE vaccine during hiking, camping, or forestry work in affected regions. The course is two to three doses with boosters every three years if the risk continues.
Pneumococcal Disease
The Pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia and bloodstream infections. It is particularly relevant for older adults or travellers with certain long-term conditions.
Meningitis B
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B disease. Consider where there is a higher incidence, and the full course consists of 2 doses.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The HPV vaccine prevents HPV‑related cancers and genital warts. Sometimes considered before extended overseas stays to complete a course.
Chickenpox
The Chickenpox vaccine protects against varicella. It may be recommended for non‑immune adults, as infection can be more severe later in life.
Dengue Fever
The Dengue vaccine is considered for travellers to tropical and subtropical regions, typically those with previous dengue or a high likelihood of exposure. Usually given as a two-dose course several months apart. Bite avoidance measures remain essential.
Hajj and Umrah
The Hajj and Umrah requirements include Meningitis ACWY and may include other vaccines based on personal risk and season. Certificates are issued after vaccination.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure which vaccinations you need or have health conditions that could affect your travel, it’s best to seek professional advice. The right protection depends on your destination, planned activities, and personal medical history.
At Pharmacy M, our pharmacists are here to guide you with tailored travel health consultations, vaccine recommendations, and practical advice on staying safe abroad. We make it easy to get the protection you need so you can travel with confidence.
FAQs
Yes. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, the polio booster given as Td or IPV in combination with tetanus and diphtheria, and Cholera are available free for eligible travellers through GP surgeries. Otherwise, most travel vaccines are offered privately.
Ideally, six to eight weeks before travel. Some vaccines need multiple doses spread over weeks, and most take time to become fully effective.
It depends on where you are going, what you will do, how long you will stay, and your health. Book a consultation with us for a personalised plan tailored to your needs.
Durations in effectiveness differ by vaccine. Hepatitis A is long-lasting after the booster. Typhoid lasts around three years. Our healthcare professionals will advise based on your records.
Yes. Many community pharmacies, including ours, offer private travel vaccination clinics with flexible appointments and same-day bookings where available.
