Sri Lanka is a popular choice for beach breaks, hill country trips, wildlife parks, and family visits. Vaccines matter because some infections spread through food and water, and others through mosquitoes, especially outside main cities. Travel health advice also changes with where you go and what you do.

This guide is for you if you are going on holiday, backpacking, visiting friends and relatives, or travelling for business from Ealing and West London.

Do you need travel vaccines for Sri Lanka?

Many travellers should consider Hepatitis A and typhoid, plus a check of routine UK vaccines. Some recommendations depend on your itinerary and personal risk.

What affects your recommendation

• Where you are going, such as Colombo, south coast surf towns, hill country, or rural areas
• Time of year and length of stay
• Activities, such as trekking, wildlife trips, cycling, volunteering, or healthcare work
• Accommodation style, such as resorts, hostels, homestays, or remote stays
• Medical history, pregnancy, and any condition or medicine that affects immunity

A travel consultation helps match advice to your trip, rather than using a one size fits all list.

Routine vaccines to be up to date with in the UK

Before you travel, your routine vaccines should be current. This reduces your risk and helps protect people around you.

Key routine checks

• MMR vaccine
• DTaP IPV booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio
• Seasonal flu vaccine, optional but sensible for many travellers
• COVID 19 vaccine, as appropriate for you

At South Ealing Pharmacy, your travel consultation includes a review of your vaccine history if you can share it.

Recommended travel vaccines for Sri Lanka

Hepatitis A

Risk

Spread through contaminated food and water.

Who should consider it?

Most travellers, including short stays and resort travel.

Schedule

Usually a single dose before travel. A booster later can extend protection for longer term cover.

Typhoid

Risk

Spread through contaminated food and water. Risk can be higher with street food, smaller towns, and longer stays.

Who should consider it?

Many travellers, especially if you will eat widely or travel beyond main tourist areas.

Options

Vaccines can be given by injection. Oral options exist in some settings. Availability varies, so ask at your appointment.

Tetanus, diphtheria, polio booster

Risk

Tetanus can follow cuts or contaminated wounds. Diphtheria and polio are rare for UK residents, yet boosters matter for travel.

Who should consider it?

You may need a booster if your last dose was some years ago, or if your record is incomplete.

Schedule

Single booster dose when due.

Sometimes recommended, depending on your plans

Hepatitis B

Who it is for?

Longer stays, frequent travel, healthcare work, new sexual partners, some visiting friends and relatives trips, and people who may have tattoos or piercings abroad.

Schedule

Often a multi dose course. Timing depends on how soon you travel.

Rabies

Who it is for?

Rural travel, cyclists, trekkers, people working with animals, and longer stays. It can also be considered for families with children who may be more likely to approach animals.

Important point

Rabies vaccines do not remove the need for urgent medical help after any bite or scratch. You still need prompt care.

Schedule

Usually a course of doses before travel.

Japanese encephalitis

Who it is for?

Longer stays, rural areas, and travel with higher mosquito exposure, including areas with rice fields and outdoor evening time.

Schedule

Usually a course of doses. Your plan and timing guide the schedule.

Cholera

Who it is for?

Humanitarian work, high risk settings, remote travel, or places with limited safe water and sanitation.

Schedule

Often an oral course. Timing depends on your travel date and risk.

Malaria and mosquito borne illness advice for Sri Lanka

Malaria risk is generally low in Sri Lanka, and advice depends on current guidance and your itinerary. Your travel consultation can confirm what is advised for your route.

Dengue is a key risk in Sri Lanka. It spreads through mosquito bites, often in daytime as well as early evening. Bite prevention is a practical priority.

Bite avoidance checklist ✅

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
• Wear long sleeves and trousers when mosquitoes are active
• Sleep in rooms with air conditioning or screened windows where possible
• Use bed nets if your room is not well sealed
• Consider permethrin treated clothing for higher exposure trips, such as trekking

When to book your travel vaccination appointment

Aim to book 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. This gives time for multi dose courses and best protection by departure.

It is still worth booking close to travel. Some protection is better than none, and you can also get clear advice on food, water, and bite prevention.

Multi dose courses may apply to vaccines such as Hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis.

Example vaccine packages by traveller type

One week beach holiday, Colombo and south coast

Typical set: Hepatitis A, typhoid, and a routine booster check.

Two to three weeks exploring, safari, and hill country

Consider: Hepatitis A and typhoid, plus review of tetanus diphtheria polio status. Rabies or Japanese encephalitis may be discussed based on rural time and activities.

Backpacking, volunteering, or long stay

Often considered: Hepatitis A, typhoid, Hepatitis B, rabies, and sometimes Japanese encephalitis. Your plan decides what is needed.

Visiting friends and relatives

Risk can be higher due to longer stays, local food and drink, and closer contact with communities. Early booking helps you complete courses and plan around travel dates.

What to bring to your travel clinic appointment

Bring what you can, even if it is incomplete. A rough plan is enough to start.

• Your itinerary and approximate route
• Any vaccine record you have
• Current medicines and allergies
• Medical conditions and pregnancy status if relevant

FAQs

Are vaccines required to enter Sri Lanka?

Entry rules can change. Many vaccines are recommended for health protection rather than a border requirement. Your consultation can cover any current entry considerations linked to your route.

Can you get travel vaccines last minute?

Yes. You may not complete every course, yet you can still gain protection and get targeted advice.

Which vaccines are needed for Sri Lanka from the UK?

Many travellers consider Hepatitis A and typhoid, plus a routine vaccine check. Other vaccines depend on trip length, location, and activities.

Do you need malaria tablets for Sri Lanka?

Malaria risk is generally low, and advice depends on current guidance and where you will be. Bite prevention remains essential due to dengue.

How long do Sri Lanka travel vaccines last?

It varies by vaccine. Some need boosters after a set period, and some courses give longer protection. Your appointment can confirm timings for your vaccines.

Book a Sri Lanka travel vaccination appointment in South Ealing

South Ealing Pharmacy offers travel consultations and travel vaccinations for patients in Ealing and West London. Your appointment includes a travel risk assessment and vaccine plan tailored to your route.

Vaccines available at the pharmacy include HPV Vaccine (£192), Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine (£78), Typhoid Vaccine (£30), Hepatitis B Vaccine (£42), Hep A and Hep B Vaccine (£85), Rabies Vaccine (£84), Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (£119), Cholera Vaccine (£48), Yellow Fever Vaccine (£85), Hepatitis A Vaccine (£48). Specialty vaccines include Shingles Vaccine (£220), Meningitis B Vaccine (£118), Diphtheria Tetanus Polio Vaccine (£36), Meningitis ACWY (£72). NHS vaccines include NHS Flu and NHS COVID 19 Vaccine.

Opening hours

Monday 8:30 to 18:30

Tuesday 8:30 to 18:30

Wednesday 8:30 to 18:30

Thursday 8:30 to 18:30

Friday 8:30 to 18:30

Saturday 9:00 to 16:00

Sunday Closed