Travel vaccinations: which jabs do you need before visiting family abroad?

The decision you're facing

You've booked a trip to visit family overseas. You know you should check what health precautions to take, but you're not sure which vaccinations are actually necessary. Some are routine in the UK. Others depend on where you're going, how long you'll stay, and what you'll be doing. This post helps you work out what you need.

Do you actually need travel vaccinations?

The short answer: it depends on your destination, your age, and your medical history.

If you're visiting Western Europe, North America, or Australia, you may need nothing beyond your routine UK jabs. If you're going to Africa, Asia, Central America, or parts of South America, you almost certainly need at least one travel vaccine. Some countries require proof of vaccination to enter.

The best way to find out is to check your destination before you book, or as soon as you have dates. A pharmacist can review your travel plans and tell you what makes sense for you.

Routine vaccines you may already have

You've probably had most of the core vaccines already: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. These protect you at home and abroad. Before you travel, it's worth checking whether your tetanus and polio jabs are up to date. If you're unsure, a quick call to your GP surgery will tell you.

Vaccines that depend on where you're going

Some vaccines are only needed if you're visiting specific regions. Yellow fever is required to enter certain African and South American countries. Typhoid is common in parts of Asia and Africa. Hepatitis A and B are risks in many developing countries. Japanese encephalitis matters if you're visiting rural areas in East and Southeast Asia during summer months.

Your destination, the length of your stay, and what you plan to do all affect whether you need these jabs.

The main travel vaccines explained

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes in tropical Africa and South America. Some countries legally require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter. Others don't require it but it's strongly recommended.

The vaccine is given as a single injection. It provides protection for most people within ten days and lasts for life. You need to have it at least ten days before you travel.

Yellow fever vaccine is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with severe egg allergies, and those with weakened immune systems should discuss it with a doctor first.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. It's common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central America where sanitation is poor.

Two types of typhoid vaccine exist: an injection and a tablet course. The injection gives protection for three years. The tablets (four doses over a week) last for three years too. Both are effective. The injection is quicker if you're short on time.

Typhoid vaccine suits most adults and children over two years old. It's not suitable in pregnancy, so discuss with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through contaminated food and water. It's found worldwide but is more common in countries with lower sanitation standards.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given as an injection. You need two doses: the first before you travel, and a booster six to twelve months later. The first dose gives protection within two weeks for most people.

Hepatitis A vaccine suits all ages from one year upwards. It's safe in pregnancy.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids. You might be at risk if you're having medical or dental treatment abroad, or if there's any chance of exposure to blood.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of injections. A standard course takes six months. If you're short on time, an accelerated schedule can be done in three to four weeks, though it's less ideal.

Hepatitis B vaccine is safe in pregnancy and suitable for all ages from birth.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It's found in rural areas of East and Southeast Asia, mainly during summer months. Most travellers to cities have very low risk.

The vaccine is given as an injection. One dose gives protection for most people. A booster is recommended if you're travelling again to the same region within a year.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is not suitable in pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Routine boosters

Depending on when you last had them, you may need a booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. These are often given as a single injection. If your last booster was more than ten years ago, you should have one before travelling to areas with poor sanitation.

How to prepare: the practical steps

Book a travel health appointment at least four to six weeks before you fly. Some vaccines need time to work, and some require multiple doses spread over weeks.

Tell the pharmacist or doctor exactly where you're going, how long you'll stay, and what you'll be doing. A two-week city break to a capital with good hospitals is different from a month in a rural village. The more detail you give, the better the advice.

Bring your NHS vaccination record (the red book if you still have it, or ask your GP for a printout). This saves time and ensures you don't have unnecessary repeat jabs.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or take regular medicines, mention this when you book. Some vaccines are not suitable, and a pharmacist or doctor needs to review your individual situation.

After your jabs, you'll receive a yellow fever certificate if you've had that vaccine. Keep it safe. Some countries ask to see it on entry. You may also be given a travel health advice sheet covering malaria prevention, food and water safety, and what to do if you fall ill abroad.

Common questions about travel vaccinations

How much time do I need before travelling?

Ideally four to six weeks. Some vaccines work within days; others need two weeks. If you've left it late, a pharmacist can still help, but you may not have time for all doses of multi-dose vaccines.

Can I have multiple vaccines at once?

Yes. Most travel vaccines can be given on the same day, either in the same arm or different arms. Your pharmacist will advise.

Do I need malaria tablets as well as vaccines?

Malaria is not prevented by vaccine. If you're visiting a malaria risk area, you'll need antimalarial tablets as well. Your pharmacist or doctor will prescribe these based on your destination and medical history.

What if I'm allergic to eggs?

Some vaccines are made using eggs. Yellow fever vaccine is one. If you have a severe egg allergy, tell the pharmacist when you book. Alternative options or special precautions may be available.

Do I need travel vaccinations if I've had COVID-19?

COVID-19 infection does not protect you against other travel diseases. You still need the appropriate travel jabs for your destination.

What about travel insurance?

Travel insurance is separate from vaccinations. Some policies require proof that you've had recommended jabs. Check your policy details.

Can children have travel vaccines?

Most travel vaccines are safe from age one or two onwards. Some, like yellow fever, have age restrictions. Discuss your child's age and health with a pharmacist.

How long do travel vaccines last?

It varies. Yellow fever lasts for life. Typhoid and hepatitis A last three years. Hepatitis B protection lasts at least thirty years, often for life. Your pharmacist will tell you when boosters are needed.

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Book your travel health appointment

Visiting family abroad is exciting, but it's worth getting your health sorted first. South Ealing Pharmacy in South Ealing, London offers travel health consultations and can administer all the main travel vaccines. We can see you at a time that suits you, including evening appointments, so you don't have to take time off work. Call us or book online to arrange your appointment at least four to six weeks before you travel.