Planning a trip abroad? It's important to be aware of any vaccination requirements. Without the right vaccines, some countries might even deny you entry.
And, if you catch a disease that you could've been vaccinated against, your insurer might not cover your treatment. So, let's make sure you're fully prepared for a safe and smooth journey! Read on for all the details.
Do I need travel vaccinations?
Whether you need travel vaccinations depends on where you're going.
Some countries might require you to show proof of certain vaccines to enter. But, others might just recommend them. This is especially true if you're travelling to a rural or remote area. Or, staying somewhere for a long period.
Skipping recommended vaccines could leave you uncovered by insurance if you get sick from something preventable. And if you're travelling while pregnant, some vaccines might not be safe for you. So, check with your doctor first.
How do I know if I need travel vaccinations for my destination?
Navigating vaccination requirements can be tricky!
Luckily, the NHS Fit for Travel site and TravelHealthPro have country-specific advice and requirements. You can also find vaccination information on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website.
What travel vaccinations do I need?
The exact vaccinations you'll need depends on where you're travelling and which ones you already have.
According to the NHS, the most common vaccinations usually required are:
-
Cholera
-
Diphtheria, polio and tetanus
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Hepatitis A and B
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Japanese encephalitis
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Meningococcal meningitis
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Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
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Rabies
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Tick-borne encephalitis
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Tuberculosis
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Typhoid
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Yellow fever
Remember, vaccination requirements can vary.
Some countries might require you to get certain vaccines to enter the country, while others might only recommend them. The best thing you do is to speak with your GP. They'll be able to offer advice on what you'll need for your trip.
When should I get my travel vaccinations?
You should check your destination's vaccine requirements well in advance of your trip.
It's a good idea to get your vaccinations at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. This is because some vaccines require multiple doses, and your body needs time to build up immunity. Also, keep in mind that during peak travel seasons, appointments can fill up fast. So, the earlier you book, the better!
Where can I get my travel vaccinations?
You've got a few options.
Like we've mentioned, your GP can provide advice on the vaccines you may need. They can also offer specific guidance if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also visit local vaccination clinics, which can offer many of the jabs you might need.
For the yellow fever vaccine, you'll have to visit a specific Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. So, make sure to plan ahead if this is a vaccine you'll need.
Do you have to pay for travel vaccinations?
Yes, some vaccinations do come with a cost and prices can vary between providers.
Here are some common vaccines, their dosage amounts and how much they could cost:
| Vaccine | Required doses | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
|
Hepatitis B
|
3
|
£45
|
|
Japanese encephalitis
|
2
|
£105
|
|
Yellow fever
|
1
|
£65
|
|
Meningitis
|
1
|
£62 |
| Rabies | 3 | £93 |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | 1 | £68 |
Source: NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Remember, there might be extra consultation fees, too. And, if you need anti-malaria tablets, you'll have to buy those. It's always smart to check with your clinic for a full breakdown of costs. That way, you can budget accordingly.
That might seem like a lot to consider. But, remember - once you're prepared, you'll be ready to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Are any travel vaccinations covered by the NHS?
Not all GP clinics offer free immunisation services. But, here's a quick list of vaccines that are usually available through the NHS at no cost:
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Typhoid
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Hepatitis A
-
Cholera
-
Polio
-
Tetanus
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Diphtheria
Top tip: Contact your local clinic to see what vaccines they offer for free.
Will travel insurance cover the cost of travel vaccinations?
Probably not.
Most travel insurance policies don't cover travel vaccination costs. But, if you have private medical insurance, there's a chance you could get some coverage. If you have private medical insurance, check with your insurer to find out if they'll cover part of all of your vaccination expenses.
How can I prove I've had my travel vaccinations?
There's a few ways to show you've had your travel vaccinations.
In most cases, your GP can provide proof of any vaccines you've received from them. Although, for yellow fever and polio vaccinations, you'll receive something called an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Like its name suggests, it's a certificate that you can use to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination. But, if you lose your ICVP you'll need to pay for a new one. So, make sure you keep it safe!
What destinations require travel vaccinations?
Certain destinations require specific travel vaccinations, usually depending on where you're coming from or how long you're planning to stay. Let's take a look at a few examples:
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Planning a backpacking adventure? If so, you might be travelling to countries with a high risk of yellow fever. If you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you'll need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination in China, South Africa and India. Usually, this is the ICVP certificate.
-
For some countries, you might be recommended hepatitis A and B vaccines. This mainly includes travel to parts of North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central or South America, and Eastern Europe.
-
And, if you'll be staying more than a month in some countries, you might be advised to get the rabies vaccine. This is mainly for parts of South America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. So, if you're heading to popular spots like Bali, Cuba, or Brazil - this vaccine might be worth thinking about.
The big takeaway here is that every country has its own set of vaccination rules. So, it's always a good idea to double-check the requirements well in advance. This way, you'll have plenty of time to get any necessary shots. Phew!
Will travel insurance cover the cost of treatment for diseases I'm vaccinated against?
Normally, yes.
Travel insurance can often cover the cost of medical insurance if you catch a disease you've been vaccinated against.
But, your insurer might not offer cover if you've become unwell from something a vaccine could have possibly prevented. So, make sure you look into getting the recommended vaccines for your destination. This is also where having medical travel insurance in place can help ensure you're covered.
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1Correct as of October 2024
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