Travel vaccine
Travel Vaccines
Travel vaccines protect against infections more common in certain countries, such as typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever and others. Which you need depends on your destination and trip.
What it protects against
They protect against diseases you may be more likely to encounter abroad, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and cholera, depending on the region.
Who it's for
Anyone travelling to areas where these infections occur; the specific vaccines needed depend on the destination, the type of trip and your health.
How it works
Each travel vaccine works like other vaccines, priming immunity to a specific infection. Some need to be given weeks before travel, so plan ahead — ideally 6–8 weeks before.
Safety
Safety and side effects
Travel vaccines are generally safe with mild side effects. A travel health clinic or pharmacy can advise on exactly what you need and arrange them.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Travel Vaccines: frequently asked questions
When should I get travel vaccines?
Ideally see a travel health clinic, GP or pharmacy 6–8 weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need time to work or are given as a course.
Which travel vaccines do I need?
It depends on your destination, activities and health. Check resources like TravelHealthPro or ask a travel clinic, who will tailor advice to your trip.
Related
Other travel vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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