Travel Vaccines and Travel Clinic in Bedfordshire

 

C&H Barton Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Barton-le-Clay, Bedfordshire provides a full range of travel vaccinations, antimalarial prescriptions, altitude sickness tablets, and personalised pre-travel health advice for patients across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. Whether you are planning a trekking holiday in Nepal, a volunteer placement in sub-Saharan Africa, a family trip to Southeast Asia, or a pilgrimage for Hajj or Umrah, our experienced pharmacist team will ensure you leave with the right protection in place.

Travel health is not a one-size-fits-all process. The vaccines and medications appropriate for one person may be entirely different from those needed by another traveller visiting the same country, depending on where they will be staying, what activities they have planned, how long they will be away, and their individual health history. At C&H Barton Pharmacy, every consultation is carried out on an individual basis. We do not issue generic lists of recommended vaccines — we take the time to understand your specific trip and assess what is clinically appropriate for you as an individual.

This guide covers everything you need to know about travel vaccines and travel health services at C&H Barton Pharmacy, from how vaccines work and who needs them, to individual vaccine guides, malaria prevention, altitude sickness, destination-specific advice, and what to watch for when you return. Use the contents list below to navigate to the section most relevant to your trip.

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Why Travel Vaccines Matter

The UK benefits from excellent public health infrastructure, clean drinking water, and high vaccination coverage. As a result, most people living here have never been exposed to diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, or yellow fever, and have no natural immunity to them whatsoever. Travel to certain parts of the world changes this picture entirely. You may find yourself in environments where these diseases are endemic, where sanitation standards are lower, where mosquitoes carry serious infections, or where access to medical care in the event of illness is limited or non-existent.

Travel vaccines work by stimulating your immune system to build protection against specific pathogens before you encounter them. Depending on the vaccine, this involves introducing either a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen, a surface protein, or a harmless toxin — all of which trigger antibody production without causing disease. Once these antibodies are established, your immune system can respond rapidly if you are exposed to the real infection, preventing serious illness from taking hold. Because this immune response takes time to develop fully, it is important to receive vaccines well ahead of your departure date rather than immediately before travel.

Travel vaccines fall into two categories. Some are recommended based on the health risks at your destination and the nature of your activities; these are not required for entry but are clinically advisable for your protection. Others, most notably Yellow Fever, are legally required by certain countries as a condition of entry and must be documented in an internationally recognised certificate. Arriving without the correct certificate where one is required can result in being refused entry or being vaccinated at the border under conditions that cannot be verified as safe. This is entirely avoidable with proper planning.

A travel health consultation at C&H Barton Pharmacy goes beyond simply issuing vaccines. We also prescribe antimalarial tablets, provide altitude sickness medication, advise on insect bite prevention, food and water hygiene, and give you clear guidance on what steps to take if you become unwell during or after your trip. Current destination-specific health advice is also available at TravelHealthPro, maintained by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and at the NHS travel vaccinations page.

When To Book Your Travel Health Appointment

Booking your travel health appointment as early as possible is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself before travelling. Vaccines need time to work — your immune system requires a period of days to weeks to build sufficient antibody levels after vaccination, and for vaccines given as a course of multiple doses, the entire course must be completed before full protection is established. Turning up to a travel clinic a few days before departure severely limits what can be done and may leave you travelling without adequate protection against diseases that could have been prevented.

As a general guide, booking your appointment at C&H Barton Pharmacy at least four to six weeks before your departure allows enough time to complete most single-dose vaccines and begin multi-dose courses. For more complex itineraries or vaccines with longer dose intervals, more time is needed. The Dengue vaccine (Qdenga), for example, requires two doses given three months apart — it cannot be completed for any trip departing within three months of the first dose. If you have left it late, please still come in. We can advise on what is achievable within your available time and help you prioritise the vaccines that offer the greatest benefit for your specific trip.

Vaccine	Doses	Minimum Lead Time	Duration of Protection
Yellow Fever	1	At least 10 days	Lifelong in most cases
Hepatitis A	1 (booster at 6 to 12 months)	2 weeks	Up to 25 years with booster
Hepatitis B	3 (0, 7 and 21 days)	4 to 6 weeks	Long-lasting; booster if at continued risk
Typhoid	1	2 weeks	3 years
Rabies	3 (0, 7 and 21 days)	Minimum 21 days	Booster recommended for continued risk
Meningitis ACWY	1	2 to 3 weeks	5 years
Japanese Encephalitis	2 (0 and 28 days)	Minimum 28 days	Booster after 12 to 24 months if at risk
Dengue (Qdenga)	2 (0 and 3 months)	Minimum 3 months	Not yet fully established
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio	1	2 weeks	10 years

Who Needs Travel Vaccines?

Travel vaccines are relevant for the vast majority of people travelling beyond Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand — and even within some of these regions, specific activities or health conditions can create additional risk. A common misconception is that previous travel to a destination without getting ill means vaccines are unnecessary for a return trip. This is not a safe assumption. Disease prevalence changes, outbreaks occur unpredictably, immunity from previous vaccinations fades over time, and personal health circumstances evolve. Every trip warrants a fresh assessment.

A group that is consistently underserved by travel health services is people travelling to visit friends and relatives in their families’ countries of origin. These travellers frequently spend longer abroad, stay in private homes rather than hotels, eat local food and drink local water more extensively, and often do not identify themselves as being at travel health risk in the same way a package holidaymaker might. In practice, this group is often at greater risk of travel-related illness than tourist travellers, because their exposure to local environmental conditions, food, and vector-borne infection is far higher. We encourage everyone in this group to attend a consultation at C&H Barton Pharmacy before travelling. For more information on who benefits most from pre-travel preparation, visit our getting travel vaccinated guide.

Other travellers who should always seek pre-travel health advice include gap year and backpacking travellers spending extended periods across multiple countries, families travelling with young children, volunteers and aid workers, healthcare professionals working abroad, pilgrims attending Hajj or Umrah, adventure travellers and trekkers heading to remote areas, and anyone with an underlying health condition travelling to a higher-risk destination. Our pharmacists will consider all of these factors individually during your appointment.

Vaccines We Offer at C&H Barton Pharmacy

We offer a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations at our Barton-le-Clay pharmacy. The specific vaccines recommended for your trip will be confirmed during your consultation, as clinical suitability varies between individuals. Every vaccine we administer is preceded by a proper assessment — this is not a formality but a clinical necessity, as some vaccines are contraindicated in certain groups and prescribing the wrong vaccine without assessment could cause harm. Below is a detailed guide to every vaccine we provide.

Yellow Fever (Stamaril) — £90

Yellow fever is a severe and potentially fatal viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. The disease can cause liver and kidney failure, bleeding, and in serious cases death. There is no antiviral treatment and prevention through vaccination is the only reliable protection available. Stamaril is a live attenuated vaccine given as a single dose and is considered to provide lifelong protection in the majority of people who receive it. C&H Barton Pharmacy is a registered Yellow Fever vaccination centre, which means we can both administer the vaccine and issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — the certificate required for entry into countries where Yellow Fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement. This certificate becomes valid ten days after vaccination, so early booking is essential. The vaccine is not appropriate for all patients — it is contraindicated in infants under nine months, those with severe immune deficiency, those with a history of thymic dysfunction, and those with certain allergies. A full clinical assessment will always take place before the vaccine is given. Further information is available on our Yellow Fever vaccine page, our Yellow Fever cost guide for Bedfordshire, and our Barton-le-Clay Yellow Fever service page.

Hepatitis A — £59 per dose (Adult: Avaxim / Junior: Vaqta)

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through consuming food or water contaminated with infected faecal matter. It is endemic across large parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe, and is particularly prevalent in areas where water treatment and sanitation standards are lower than in the UK. The illness can be severely debilitating — causing prolonged jaundice, extreme fatigue, nausea, and liver inflammation lasting weeks or months — and can in some cases require hospitalisation. A single primary dose provides good initial protection, with a booster given six to twelve months later extending immunity to up to 25 years. Junior formulations are available for younger travellers, and a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix) is available at £70 per dose for those who need protection against both infections. Find out more on our Hepatitis A vaccine page.

Hepatitis B — £49 per dose (Engerix-B)

Hepatitis B is a blood-borne viral infection spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Routes of transmission relevant to travellers include unprotected sexual contact, medical or dental treatment in countries where infection control standards are inconsistent, tattooing or body piercing with unsterile equipment, and shared use of personal items such as razors. Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis and primary liver cancer, making prevention through vaccination extremely important for travellers at risk. For travel purposes, an accelerated schedule using Engerix-B involves doses on days 0, 7, and 21, which is primarily used when travel is imminent and a rapid course is required. This schedule applies to adults and is subject to individual clinical assessment. Where risk continues after travel, a further dose at 12 months is recommended to consolidate long-term immunity — this applies to both adult and paediatric schedules. The appropriate schedule for your age and circumstances will be confirmed at your consultation in line with current UKHSA Green Book guidance on Hepatitis B. Read more on our Hepatitis B vaccine page.

Typhoid (Typhim Vi) — £49

Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, contracted through eating or drinking food and water contaminated with infected faeces. It is most common across South Asia — particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — and is also prevalent across parts of Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America. Without timely antibiotic treatment, typhoid can progress to life-threatening complications including intestinal perforation. The injectable Typhim Vi vaccine provides protection for approximately three years and is given as a single injection at least two weeks before travel. Vaccination does not eliminate all risk and must be complemented by careful food and water hygiene throughout the trip. See our Typhoid vaccine page for more details.

Rabies (Rabipur) — £75 per dose

Rabies is caused by a lyssavirus transmitted in the saliva of infected animals through bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. It is present in dogs, monkeys, bats, and other mammals across much of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe. Once neurological symptoms of rabies develop, survival is exceptionally rare. This makes pre-exposure vaccination one of the most valuable preventive interventions for travellers heading to remote areas, those working with animals, children (who are statistically more likely to be bitten and less likely to report contact promptly), and anyone where immediate post-bite medical care within 24 hours cannot be guaranteed. Pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment after a bite, but it simplifies the course considerably and — critically — eliminates the need for rabies immunoglobulin, which is frequently unavailable in resource-limited settings. The course is three injections given on days 0, 7, and 21. Any animal bite abroad must be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and assessed by a medical professional urgently, regardless of vaccination status.

Meningitis ACWY — £55

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four strains of Neisseria meningitidis, A, C, W, and Y, which cause bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, both of which can be fatal within hours of symptom onset. Saudi Arabian authorities require proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination as a mandatory condition of entry for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The vaccine is also strongly recommended for travellers to the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt, which spans from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and experiences seasonal meningococcal outbreaks, particularly between December and June. A single dose provides protection for approximately five years. Read more on our Meningitis ACWY vaccine page.

Japanese Encephalitis (Ixiaro) — £105 per dose

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral brain infection endemic across rural agricultural areas of Asia and the western Pacific. Transmission is by Culex mosquitoes, which bite predominantly at dusk and dawn. The disease is associated with significant mortality — approximately 20 to 30 percent of symptomatic cases — and a high rate of long-term neurological complications among survivors. Risk is highest for those spending extended time in rural areas near rice paddies and pig farming, visiting during or immediately after the monsoon season, and engaging in outdoor activities in affected regions after dark. A two-dose primary course is given on days 0 and 28. More information is on our Japanese Encephalitis vaccine page.

Dengue Fever (Qdenga) — £89 per dose

Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active primarily during daylight hours, particularly around dawn and dusk, unlike the night-biting mosquitoes that spread malaria. This means that standard night-time protection such as bed nets does not adequately protect against dengue, making daytime repellent use essential in affected regions. Dengue causes severe flu-like illness characterised by high fever, intense joint and muscle pain, severe headache, and rash. In serious cases it can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. There is no specific antiviral treatment. The Qdenga vaccine is given as two doses three months apart, making it the vaccine requiring the longest advance planning of all those we offer. Qdenga is not recommended routinely for all travellers. Current UK guidance considers it primarily for individuals aged four and over who have evidence or a likely history of a previous dengue infection, following an individual risk assessment. Whether this vaccine is appropriate for you will be assessed carefully during your consultation. Full details are on our Dengue vaccine page.

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (Revaxis) — £40

These three conditions are covered by routine childhood immunisation in the UK, but immunity is not permanent and adults who have not received a booster within the last ten years may have reduced protection. Tetanus enters through cuts and wounds and causes muscle spasms that can be fatal. Diphtheria affects the airways and can cause obstruction and cardiac damage. Polio can cause permanent paralysis and remains in circulation in a small number of countries. The Revaxis booster is a single injection covering all three and is recommended for any traveller overdue a booster or visiting areas where poliovirus remains a risk. Our pharmacists will check your vaccination history at your consultation.

Cholera (Vaxchora) — £70

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted through contaminated water and food. It can cause severe, rapid dehydration and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Risk is concentrated in areas with poor water treatment infrastructure and is significantly elevated during humanitarian emergencies, floods, and in refugee settings. The Vaxchora vaccine is taken orally as a single drink and is most relevant for aid and healthcare workers, those travelling to active outbreak areas, and those with conditions that reduce stomach acid levels. Our pharmacists will assess suitability during your consultation.

Chikungunya (IXCHIQ) — £149

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes across tropical and subtropical regions including Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Americas and Europe. The acute illness causes high fever and severe joint pain — which can be persistently debilitating for months or years in some patients, even after the initial infection has resolved. IXCHIQ is a live attenuated single-dose vaccine. As with all live vaccines, it is contraindicated in certain groups including immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Suitability will be fully assessed at your consultation.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Ticovac) — £70 per dose

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system spread by Ixodes ticks in forested and rural areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia. Ticks are most active between April and October. The risk is primarily for those undertaking outdoor activities in wooded or long-grass environments — walking, hiking, camping, cycling, and forestry work. The vaccine is given in adult and junior formulations as a primary course of two doses at least two weeks apart, followed by a third dose five to twelve months later. Boosters are required every three to five years for ongoing risk. Physical tick prevention including body checks after outdoor activity remains essential alongside vaccination.

Whooping Cough (Repevax) — £90

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that can be life-threatening for young infants who have not yet been vaccinated. Adults whose immunity from childhood vaccination has declined can unknowingly transmit the infection to vulnerable babies. The Repevax booster also provides combined protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, making it a useful catch-up option for adults overdue on any of these. It is a single injection.

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) — £50 per dose

Measles has experienced a global resurgence in recent years as vaccination coverage in some regions has declined. The disease is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, and in some cases death — particularly in adults who have not been vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required for complete, lifelong protection. The number of doses you need depends on your vaccination history — those who have never received MMR will require two doses, while those who received only one dose in childhood require one further dose. The price of £50 is per dose. Adults who are uncertain about their vaccination history should raise this at their consultation. As a live vaccine, MMR is not suitable during pregnancy or for those with significantly impaired immune function. The UKHSA reminds travellers to ensure MMR vaccination is up to date before travelling abroad.

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Malaria Prevention and Antimalarial Tablets

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum — the most dangerous species — is the predominant cause of malaria across sub-Saharan Africa and is responsible for the majority of malaria deaths worldwide. There is no vaccine currently licensed for routine adult use against malaria in the UK, meaning that prevention depends entirely on a combination of prescription antimalarial tablets and physical bite avoidance measures. For any traveller visiting a malaria-endemic destination, both elements are non-negotiable.

Malaria risk varies considerably even within a single country. The risk in an air-conditioned urban hotel is very different from the risk of sleeping in a rural village without screened windows. This is why we always assess your specific itinerary — not just your destination country — when advising on malaria prevention. At C&H Barton Pharmacy, our pharmacists can prescribe and supply antimalarial medication through our antimalarials service in Barton-le-Clay. The choice of medication depends on the specific region you are visiting, prevailing drug resistance patterns, your personal health history, current medications, and the duration of your trip. All antimalarials must be started before entering a malaria risk area and must be continued for the prescribed period after leaving — stopping early is one of the most common and most preventable causes of malaria in returned travellers.

As the NHS malaria prevention guidance makes clear, no antimalarial is 100 percent effective, and physical bite avoidance must always be used alongside tablets. This means applying DEET-based repellent to all exposed skin throughout the day and evening, wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing in light colours, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets in accommodation that is not fully enclosed and screened, and avoiding outdoor activity during the peak Anopheles biting period from dusk to dawn. Any fever or flu-like illness within 12 months of returning from a malaria-endemic region must be assessed the same day as a potential medical emergency.

Hajj and Umrah Travel Health

The Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah visit both require pilgrims to fulfil specific vaccination requirements set by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health before they can enter the country and access the holy sites. Meningitis ACWY vaccination is a mandatory condition of entry for all pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah, and proof of vaccination must be presented as an official certificate at the time of travel. C&H Barton Pharmacy can provide the Meningitis ACWY vaccine at £55 and issue the required certificate. The Saudi Ministry of Health also strongly recommends influenza vaccination for all pilgrims, given the concentrated, mass-gathering environment of the Hajj, as well as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and an up-to-date Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster.

For pilgrims attending summer Hajj, heat-related illness is a very serious and frequently underestimated risk. Temperatures in and around Mecca regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius during peak summer months, and the significant physical demands of the pilgrimage — extended periods of walking and outdoor activity in intense heat — make hydration and heat management critical. Our pharmacists can provide personalised pre-Hajj and pre-Umrah health advice as part of your travel consultation. Full information on vaccination requirements and documentation is available on our Hajj and Umrah vaccines page. Always verify the current official entry requirements through the Saudi Embassy or your travel operator before departure, as these can change.

Altitude Sickness Tablets

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs when the body cannot acclimatise quickly enough to reduced oxygen levels at high elevation — typically above 2,500 metres above sea level. It can affect anyone regardless of physical fitness, age, or previous altitude experience. There is genuinely no way to predict who will be affected before the event, which is why preventive medication is an important consideration for all travellers planning to spend significant time at altitude. Destinations where altitude sickness is a frequent concern include Machu Picchu and Cusco in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and trekking routes in Nepal such as the Everest Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Circuit, and the Langtang Valley.

Symptoms of AMS include persistent headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and poor sleep. If ascent continues despite these warning signs, AMS can progress to high-altitude pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) or high-altitude cerebral oedema (fluid on the brain), both of which are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate descent and emergency medical treatment. Recognising the warning signs and responding by stopping ascent or descending promptly is the single most important action any traveller at altitude can take.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a prescription-only carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that accelerates acclimatisation by stimulating faster and deeper breathing. It is typically started one to two days before ascending to significant altitude and continued for the first two days at altitude. It is not suitable for everyone — it is contraindicated in those with a sulphonamide allergy and requires careful consideration in those with kidney conditions. Our pharmacists will assess suitability as part of your travel consultation. Full information is available on our altitude sickness tablets page for Bedfordshire and our altitude sickness tablets page for Bedford.

Insect Bite Prevention

Insect bites are the route of transmission for some of the most serious travel-related diseases — including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, Zika virus, tick-borne encephalitis, and Lyme disease. A robust bite prevention strategy reduces your exposure to all of these risks simultaneously and should be considered an essential part of your travel preparations for any tropical, subtropical, or rural destination.

DEET-based insect repellent is the most thoroughly tested and clinically recommended option for travellers. Products with a DEET concentration of between 30 and 50 percent provide strong, long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects when applied to all exposed skin. DEET is safe for children over two months of age when used at appropriate concentrations. When using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and allow it to absorb fully before applying repellent on top. Reapply repellent every four to six hours, or more frequently in humid conditions or when sweating heavily. We stock a range of insect bite prevention products — visit our insect bite cream page for options. It is also worth reviewing our travel first aid kit guide when preparing for your trip.

Effective bite prevention requires a layered approach. Alongside repellent, wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing in light colours reduces exposed skin area. Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets is essential in any accommodation that is not fully enclosed and air-conditioned in malaria-risk areas. Using insecticide room sprays or plug-in diffusers before sleeping adds an additional layer of indoor protection. Avoiding outdoor activity at peak biting times reduces exposure — Anopheles mosquitoes that spread malaria bite between dusk and dawn, while Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya are most active during daylight hours, particularly around dawn and dusk. For tick-risk areas, tucking trousers into socks, carrying a tick removal tool, and checking the body thoroughly after outdoor activity — paying particular attention to the scalp, groin, and armpits — are all important preventive habits.

Destination Health Guides

The health risks associated with travel vary enormously depending on your specific destination, the regions within that country you will visit, the season, and what you plan to do. The information below provides a general overview of key health considerations for some of the most common travel destinations among patients at C&H Barton Pharmacy. This is not a substitute for a personalised consultation — always attend an appointment to receive advice tailored to your individual itinerary. For the most current destination-specific risk information, visit travelhealthpro.org.uk.

Thailand and Southeast Asia. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for virtually all travellers to this region, regardless of where they are staying or how long they are visiting. Rabies vaccination is important for those spending time in rural areas, travelling with children, or staying for extended periods. Japanese Encephalitis should be discussed for those visiting rural or agricultural areas, particularly during or after monsoon season. Dengue fever is present year-round across the entire region and is not limited to rural areas — urban travellers are also at risk. Malaria prevention should be assessed for specific rural areas in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. We have a dedicated guide on travel vaccines for Thailand from Bedford. Traveller’s diarrhoea is extremely common throughout Southeast Asia regardless of accommodation standard.

Sub-Saharan Africa. Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for the majority of sub-Saharan African countries and is strongly recommended for all others. Malaria prevention is essential for virtually all sub-Saharan African destinations without exception. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningitis ACWY are all recommended for most itineraries. Travellers heading to the meningitis belt — from Senegal eastward to Ethiopia — should ensure Meningitis ACWY vaccination is current. Current outbreak alerts should always be checked at TravelHealthPro before departure, as the regional situation can change rapidly.

South America. Yellow Fever is a mandatory entry requirement for many South American countries. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended across the continent. Altitude sickness medication is important for visits to high-altitude destinations including Machu Picchu, Cusco, La Paz, and the Inca Trail. Malaria prevention is essential for Amazonian regions. Dengue is widespread throughout tropical areas. Zika virus is present in many parts of the continent — travellers who are pregnant or planning to conceive should discuss this specifically during their consultation.

South Asia — India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended for the overwhelming majority of itineraries across the subcontinent. Japanese Encephalitis should be considered for rural lowland areas. Altitude sickness medication is essential for trekking in the Himalayas, including the Everest Base Camp route, Annapurna Circuit, and other high-altitude treks. Malaria risk should be assessed for specific rural regions. Dengue is present in both urban and rural areas. Medical facilities in remote trekking areas of Nepal and the Indian Himalayas are extremely limited.

East Africa — Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry to most East African countries. Malaria prevention is essential throughout the region. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are strongly recommended, particularly for safari travellers and those visiting rural areas. Altitude sickness medication is relevant for those climbing Kilimanjaro. Schistosomiasis risk exists from freshwater swimming in lakes including parts of Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi.

Central and Eastern Europe — outdoor travellers. Urban travellers across Central and Eastern Europe face minimal specific travel health risk. However, those planning hiking, cycling, camping, or forest walking in rural areas between April and October should consider Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccination. Lyme disease risk is present in the same environments but there is no licensed vaccine in the UK, making physical tick prevention the only available protection.

Special Groups and Individual Considerations

Pregnant travellers. Pregnancy significantly affects which vaccines can be safely given. Live attenuated vaccines — including Yellow Fever, MMR, Chickenpox, and Chikungunya — are generally contraindicated. A number of antimalarial medications are also unsuitable during pregnancy. Zika virus is of particular concern for pregnant travellers, given its association with fetal microcephaly and other brain abnormalities. Pregnant women planning international travel should consult both our travel clinic team and their GP or midwife well in advance, and should give careful thought to whether certain high-risk destinations are appropriate during pregnancy.

Immunocompromised travellers. Patients with weakened immune systems — whether due to conditions such as HIV, haematological malignancy, or organ transplantation, or as a result of treatment with immunosuppressants, biologics, or chemotherapy — may have impaired vaccine responses and face a higher baseline risk of travel-related infection. Live vaccines may be contraindicated depending on the degree of immune suppression. Early consultation, well ahead of the planned departure date, is particularly important for this group.

Older travellers. Protection from childhood vaccinations fades over time, and older adults may have reduced immunity to infections such as influenza, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Those on multiple medications should also discuss potential interactions with any travel medications at their appointment. A full vaccination review before travel is particularly worthwhile for older travellers.

Families with young children. Children require individual assessment as vaccine eligibility, dosing, and the choice of antimalarial all differ from adults and vary by age and weight. DEET repellent at appropriate concentrations is safe for children over two months of age. Each child must have their own appointment — please bring their red book or vaccination record if available.

Healthcare workers and volunteers abroad. Those providing medical or humanitarian support abroad are at significantly elevated risk of exposure to Hepatitis B and Rabies through patient contact and clinical work. A thorough pre-deployment health check including full vaccination review, discussion of post-exposure protocols, and assessment of any additional personal protective measures is essential before every deployment.

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After Travel: What To Watch For When You Return

Travel-related illnesses do not always appear during the trip itself. Many have incubation periods ranging from days to months, meaning symptoms can develop well after your return to the UK. Always tell any healthcare professional you consult after returning from abroad that you have recently travelled internationally, including the countries visited and the activities you undertook. This single piece of information can dramatically change the differential diagnosis and ensure you receive the correct assessment quickly.

The most important post-travel symptom to act on immediately is fever. Any feverish illness within 12 months of returning from a malaria-endemic region must be treated as a suspected medical emergency and assessed the same day — not the following morning, not at a routine GP appointment the following week. Attend your nearest A&E department and tell them where you have travelled. Falciparum malaria in particular can deteriorate rapidly and has caused deaths in returned travellers who delayed seeking care. This urgency applies even if you took antimalarial tablets correctly throughout your trip, as no antimalarial provides 100 percent protection.

Other symptoms that require prompt medical attention after travel include persistent diarrhoea lasting more than two to three weeks (which may indicate a parasitic infection rather than simple traveller’s diarrhoea and may require specific antiparasitic treatment), jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes (which may indicate Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, or leptospirosis), unexplained rash (which may indicate dengue, typhoid, chikungunya, or Zika), and neurological symptoms including severe or unusual headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or confusion (which may indicate meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, or cerebral malaria and require emergency assessment).

If you were bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin by an animal while abroad and did not receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis at the time, report this to a healthcare professional on return as a matter of urgency, regardless of how long ago the exposure occurred and regardless of your pre-exposure vaccination status. Finally, if you were prescribed antimalarial tablets, ensure you complete the full post-travel course — Malarone for seven days after leaving the risk area, doxycycline or mefloquine for four weeks. Stopping early is a common and entirely preventable cause of malaria in returned travellers.

Seasonal and Private Vaccinations

In addition to travel-specific vaccines, C&H Barton Pharmacy provides a range of seasonal and private vaccinations for patients across Bedfordshire. These are relevant both for travellers and for the wider community.

Flu and COVID vaccinations. Our flu and COVID vaccine service runs throughout the autumn and winter season. Annual flu vaccination is recommended because circulating influenza strains change each year, meaning last season’s vaccine may offer little protection against this season’s virus. Flu is also a year-round risk in tropical regions, so this is relevant for international travellers at any time of year. Private flu vaccination is available for those not eligible for an NHS-funded dose. Private COVID-19 vaccination is available using the Comirnaty Pfizer 30mcg vaccine. Full details are on our private COVID vaccine page. We also offer the Nuvaxovid COVID jab as a protein subunit alternative for those who prefer a non-mRNA vaccine.

Shingles vaccination. Private Shingrix shingles vaccination is available at C&H Barton Pharmacy. The Shingrix vaccine is a non-live recombinant vaccine given as a two-dose course, providing strong protection against the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus as shingles. NHS-funded shingles vaccination is also available for eligible age groups — visit our shingles vaccine guide for full eligibility information.

Adult chickenpox vaccination. The Varivax chickenpox vaccine is available for adults and children aged 12 months and over. Chickenpox in adults can be significantly more severe than in children, and vaccination also reduces the risk of the same virus later reactivating as shingles. Our adult chickenpox vaccine page for Bedfordshire has full details.

Travel Clinic at Our Luton Branch

If you are based closer to Luton, our travel clinic service is also available at our Luton branch. All the same vaccines and travel health services described in this guide are available there. You can find appointment availability, directions, and local information on our travel clinic Luton page.

Your Consultation at C&H Barton Pharmacy

Each travel health appointment at C&H Barton Pharmacy lasts 45 minutes and is carried out by one of our qualified pharmacists. One appointment is required per person — travel health is individual, and a single appointment cannot cover the health needs of multiple travellers. To make the most of your appointment, please bring your existing vaccination record or yellow book if you have one, a detailed list of all destinations and transit countries with dates, information about your planned accommodation type and activities, a full list of current medications and dosages, and details of any known allergies or underlying health conditions.

During your appointment, our pharmacist will review all of this information, confirm which vaccines are clinically appropriate for your trip, administer any vaccines that can be given on the day, and prescribe any additional medications — including antimalarials, altitude sickness tablets, and period delay tablets where relevant. You will leave with written documentation of all vaccines given, including the Yellow Fever ICVP certificate where applicable, and written health advice tailored to your specific destinations and activities. The consultation fee is £25 per person, charged separately from any vaccines or medications. For group bookings or alternative appointment availability, please use our contact page. No GP referral is required.

The full travel vaccine price list for C&H Barton Pharmacy is set out below. All prices are per dose. The £25 consultation fee is charged separately. Prices are subject to change — please check with us before your appointment.

Vaccine	Brand	Doses	Price Per Dose
Yellow Fever	Stamaril	1 (lifelong)	£90
Hepatitis A (Adult)	Avaxim	2	£59
Hepatitis A (Junior)	Vaqta	2	£59
Hepatitis B (Adult)	Engerix-B	3 (0, 7 and 21 days)*	£49
Hepatitis B (Junior)	Engerix-B	Schedule confirmed at consultation	£49
Hepatitis A + B (Adult)	Twinrix	3	£70
Hepatitis A + B (Junior)	Twinrix	3	£70
Typhoid	Typhim Vi	1	£49
Diphtheria / Tetanus / Polio	Revaxis	1	£40
Rabies	Rabipur	3 (0, 7 and 21 days)	£75
Japanese Encephalitis	IXIARO	2 (0 and 28 days)	£105
Meningitis ACWY		1	£55
Dengue Fever†	Qdenga	2 (0 and 3 months)	£89
Cholera	Vaxchora	1	£70
Chikungunya	IXCHIQ	1	£149
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Adult)	TicoVac	3	£70
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Junior)	TicoVac	3	£70
Whooping Cough	Repevax	1	£90
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)		1 or 2 doses depending on history	£50 per dose

Travel Vaccine Price List at C&H Barton Pharmacy (price per dose)

* The rapid Hepatitis B schedule (0, 7 and 21 days) is intended for travel purposes where time is limited. A further dose at 12 months is recommended where risk continues. Paediatric schedules differ — confirmed at consultation.

† Qdenga (Dengue) is not recommended routinely. Eligibility is subject to individual risk assessment. Prices are subject to change. A £25 consultation fee applies per person in addition to vaccine costs. Please contact us for the most current pricing before your appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book my travel vaccine appointment at C&H Barton Pharmacy?

We recommend booking at least four to six weeks before departure wherever possible. Some vaccines require longer lead times — Hepatitis B needs three doses over 21 days, and the Dengue vaccine requires two doses given three months apart. Even if your trip is imminent, please still attend — we will advise on the best use of your available time and ensure you leave with the strongest protection we can provide within your timeframe.

Is C&H Barton Pharmacy a registered Yellow Fever vaccination centre?

Yes. We are a registered Yellow Fever vaccination centre, authorised to administer the Stamaril vaccine and to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). The certificate becomes valid ten days after vaccination. The cost is £90. Further information is on our Yellow Fever vaccine page.

Can I get travel vaccines if I am pregnant?

Some vaccines are not suitable during pregnancy, particularly live vaccines such as Yellow Fever, MMR, Chickenpox, and Chikungunya. Some antimalarials are also contraindicated. Please disclose pregnancy at your consultation so we can advise on what is safe and whether your planned destination is appropriate during pregnancy.

Do I need malaria tablets as well as travel vaccines?

Yes, if your destination has malaria risk. There is no vaccine against malaria licensed for routine adult use in the UK. Antimalarial tablets must always be combined with physical bite avoidance measures. Our pharmacists can prescribe and supply antimalarials through our antimalarials service in Barton-le-Clay.

Which travel vaccines are free on the NHS?

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio boosters are available on the NHS if clinically due, as is MMR for those who missed childhood doses. Most travel-specific vaccines including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, and Cholera are not NHS-funded. We will always be transparent about the cost of any vaccine before it is administered.

Can children be vaccinated at C&H Barton Pharmacy?

Yes, though some vaccines have minimum age requirements and others use age-adjusted doses. Each child requires their own individual appointment. Please bring their red book or vaccination record. Junior formulations are available for Hepatitis A, the combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis.

I had travel vaccines for a previous trip. Do I need them again?

It depends on which vaccines you received and when. Yellow Fever is generally lifelong after a single dose. Typhoid protection lasts approximately three years. Meningitis ACWY lasts five years. Hepatitis A with booster provides long-term protection. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio last ten years. Bring your vaccination record to your consultation and we will advise on what requires updating.

How do I book a travel health appointment at C&H Barton Pharmacy?

You can book directly online. Appointments are 45 minutes and the consultation fee is £25 per person, charged separately from any vaccines or medications. For group bookings or queries, please use our contact page. No GP referral is required.

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Written on behalf of C&H Barton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

 

By C & H Barton Pharmacy