Travel Vaccinations
GP Practices are commissioned to provide certain travel vaccinations.
These vaccinations are the 3 in 1 Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccination, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and an oral cholera vaccination for those at certain risk or travelling to endemic areas partaking in certain activities.
We encourage patients to check their vaccination status by using the NHS app or requesting an email copy of their vaccinations and use https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ or https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/ to look up the countries they are going to and which vaccinations are required prior to booking an appointment.
Many Pharmacies offer a travel clinic service for vaccinations not supplied on the NHS; a list of these vaccines can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/travel-vaccination-advice/
Malaria prophylaxis is also no longer supplied by the NHS and private advice is needed for a supply of this. Use the above sites to check the Malaria map to check your risk.
How long do travel vaccines last?
A Typhoid vaccine lasts 3 years. A booster dose is required for further travel after this time.
Hepatitis A – you can travel following one single Hepatitis A vaccination, but a follow up booster dose after 6-12 months will give 25 years cover, so we do recommend this if you are a frequent traveller.
Tetanus – the UK schedule recommends 5 tetanus vaccines for cover in the UK, however if the last dose was over 10 years ago a booster can be given for travel. The routine NHS schedule for childhood vaccinations now incorporates five Tetanus vaccines, however for young adults it is advisable to check that you have received your childhood immunisations as per the schedule. Older adults may not have received the priming course and therefore may require a booster for travel.
Cholera – up to 2 years if the two doses were taken appropriately.
What to do if you are unwell?
A self limiting illness such as a cough/cold is not a contra indication to vaccination as per our guidance from The Green Book, however if you are able to wait or wish to wait till you have recovered then you can do so.
If you are feverish, we recommend postponing the vaccine until the fever has settled.
How soon should I get my vaccine?
6-8 weeks before you travel, although remember it is better to have the vaccine than not.
We advise 6-8 weeks to ensure that your body has enough time to build up immunity to the vaccines given.
You can have the vaccines later, but you may not have adequate time to build up the required antibodies.
How do I enquire about getting my vaccines?
Please send an online triage form to us by filling in the admin section.
You can use this link to fill out a form