Planning a trip abroad? The vaccines you need depend on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing and your own health history. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare, and when to speak to us.
Start early
Ideally, book a travel health appointment at least 8 weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need more than one dose, and most take time to give full protection. Leaving soon? It’s still worth coming in, as many vaccines can be given at short notice.
What decides which vaccines you need
Your destination, including the specific regions you’ll visit
How long you’re staying and what you’ll be doing, such as rural travel, trekking or contact with animals
Your age, health and previous vaccinations
Entry requirements, as some countries ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination
Commonly recommended travel vaccines
Hepatitis A: spread through contaminated food and water
Typhoid: also spread through food and water, and common in parts of South Asia and Africa
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio: a booster is often recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago
Yellow fever: required for entry to some countries in Africa and South America
Rabies: recommended for some trips, especially to remote areas or where you may be in contact with animals
Depending on your destination, you may also need protection against hepatitis B, meningitis ACWY (required for Hajj and Umrah), Japanese encephalitis, cholera or tick-borne encephalitis.
Don’t forget malaria
There’s no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarial tablets combined with bite prevention greatly reduce your risk. If you’re travelling to a malaria area, we’ll advise whether you need tablets and which type suits you.
Not sure what you need?
Book a Travel Health Consultation at our Wakefield clinic. We’ll review your itinerary and vaccination history, recommend what you need and can usually give your vaccines during the same visit.