Getting travel vaccinations before you go abroad is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health on holiday or on a work trip. Whether you are planning a city break in Asia, a safari in sub-Saharan Africa, or a backpacking trip through Central America, the right vaccinations can protect you from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases that are common in other parts of the world but largely absent in the UK. At C&H Barton Pharmacy in Bedfordshire, our travel health team helps people across the region get properly prepared before they fly, with expert advice and a wide range of travel vaccines available in the clinic.
Planning a trip abroad? Get in touch with our team in Bedfordshire and book your travel health appointment today.
Key Takeaways
✓ Travel vaccinations protect you from serious diseases that are prevalent in certain parts of the world and that you would have little or no natural immunity to.
✓ Some vaccines need to be given weeks or even months before you travel, so booking early is essential.
✓ The vaccinations you need depend on your destination, your itinerary, your health history, and how long you are travelling for.
✓ Some vaccines are available free on the NHS, while others are only available privately, so it is worth knowing what to expect.
✓ A travel health consultation with a trained pharmacist or nurse is the best way to make sure you are getting the right protection for your specific trip.
✓ Vaccination alone is not enough for some destinations. Antimalarial tablets, insect repellent, and other precautions may also be needed alongside your jabs.
Why Is Getting Travel Vaccinated So Important?
When you live in the UK, your immune system has been exposed to the diseases that circulate here, and many of us have had routine childhood vaccinations that provide protection against common illnesses. When you travel abroad, especially to tropical or developing regions, you can be exposed to diseases your body has never encountered before and has no defence against.
Diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and rabies can be contracted through contaminated food and water, insect bites, or contact with infected animals. Without the right vaccinations, even a seemingly minor exposure can lead to a serious illness that could put you in the hospital or, in severe cases, be fatal. The NHS advises that all travellers research the health risks for their destination and speak to a healthcare professional at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Which Travel Vaccines Might You Need?
The vaccinations you need will vary depending on where you are going and what you will be doing. Some are recommended for broad regions of the world, while others are specific to certain countries or activities. A travel health consultation will help identify exactly which ones apply to your trip.
| Vaccine | Regions Commonly Required | How It Is Given |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Africa, Asia, Central and South America | Injection (2 doses) |
| Typhoid | South Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia | Injection or oral capsules |
| Yellow Fever | Sub-Saharan Africa, South America | Single injection |
| Dengue | Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Caribbean | Injection (2 doses) |
| Rabies | Asia, Africa, Central and South America | Injection (3 doses) |
| Meningitis ACWY | Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah) | Single injection |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Rural Asia and the Far East | Injection (2 doses) |
| Hepatitis B | Worldwide (high-risk activities) | Injection (3 doses) |
Vaccines to Know About Before You Travel
Some travel vaccines deserve particular attention because of the seriousness of the diseases they prevent or because of specific requirements around when and where they must be given.
Yellow fever is one of the most important vaccines for travellers heading to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It is not just recommended for these regions in many cases; it is a legal entry requirement. The vaccine must be administered at a registered yellow fever vaccination centre and recorded in an official International Certificate of Vaccination. Our pharmacy is a registered yellow fever centre, and you can find out more about the yellow fever vaccine at our Barton-le-Clay clinic.
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes that is increasingly common in tropical and subtropical regions, including popular holiday destinations across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. A dengue vaccine is now available in the UK for eligible travellers. To find out whether you qualify and to book your appointment, learn more about our dengue vaccine service at C&H Barton Pharmacy.
Hepatitis A and typhoid are among the most commonly recommended vaccines for travellers visiting parts of Africa, Asia, and South and Central America. Both can be contracted through contaminated food and water, making them a risk in areas where sanitation standards differ from those in the UK. These vaccines are available on the NHS through travel clinics.
How Far in Advance Do You Need to Get Vaccinated?
Timing is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of travel health preparation. Many people assume they can book a travel clinic appointment the week before they fly, but that is rarely enough time to be properly protected. Some vaccines require two or three doses given weeks apart. Others take several weeks after the final dose to provide full protection.
As a general guide, aim to book your travel health consultation at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. If your trip involves multiple destinations or high-risk activities such as trekking, working with animals, or visiting very remote areas, you may need even more lead time.
✓ Hepatitis A requires two doses given 6 to 12 months apart for long-term protection, though one dose provides short-term cover.
✓ Rabies requires three doses over 28 days, so this needs to be started well in advance.
✓ Typhoid is available as an injection or oral capsules, both of which need to be completed before travel.
✓ Yellow fever takes around 10 days to become effective after the injection.
✓ Dengue requires two doses given 3 months apart, so early planning is essential.
If you are short on time, visit us as soon as possible. Our team at our travel clinic serving Luton will work with you to prioritise the most important vaccinations for your destination and timeframe.
NHS vs Private Travel Vaccines
Not all travel vaccines are available for free on the NHS. The NHS provides vaccines where there is considered to be a public health benefit to the wider population, as well as for certain high-risk destinations. Vaccines that are available on the NHS for travel include hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera in most cases.
Vaccines that protect primarily against diseases that are not circulating in the UK, such as yellow fever, rabies, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis, are generally only available privately. The cost of private vaccines varies, but it is a worthwhile investment when you consider the severity of the diseases they protect against and the potential cost of medical treatment abroad. Your travel health consultation will make clear which vaccines you need, which are available on the NHS, and what the costs are for any private vaccines required.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about getting travel vaccinated, our most frequently asked questions are answered below.
How do I know which vaccines I need for my trip?
The best way to find out is to book a travel health consultation with a trained pharmacist or travel health nurse. They will ask about your destination, your itinerary, your health history, and any previous vaccinations you have had, and give you a personalised recommendation. You can also check the NHS Fit for Travel website for country-specific health advice, but this should be used as a starting point rather than a replacement for professional guidance.
Can I get travel vaccinations at a pharmacy?
Yes. Many pharmacies, including C&H Barton Pharmacy in Bedfordshire, offer travel health consultations and a wide range of travel vaccinations. Some vaccines, such as yellow fever, must be given at an officially registered centre, and we are registered to provide this. Visiting a pharmacy for your travel vaccines is often quicker and more convenient than going through your GP surgery, and appointments are typically available within a short timeframe.
Are travel vaccines safe?
Yes, travel vaccines are safe and have been through rigorous clinical testing before being approved for use. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and commonly include a sore arm at the injection site, a mild temperature, or feeling tired for a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare. The risk of not being vaccinated for a high-risk destination far outweighs the small risk of a side effect from the vaccine itself.
Do I need travel vaccines if I am only going for a short trip?
Yes, in many cases. Some diseases can be contracted after just a single exposure, regardless of how short your trip is. Yellow fever, for example, is a legal entry requirement for certain countries, no matter how long you are visiting. The length of your trip does not matter in terms of overall risk, but a short holiday does not make you immune to the diseases present at your destination. Always seek advice based on where you are going rather than how long you are going for.
What if I have already had some travel vaccines in the past?
Some travel vaccines provide lifelong protection after a full course, while others need to be boosted periodically. For example, the hepatitis A vaccine provides long-term protection after two doses, but typhoid vaccines need to be repeated every 3 years if you remain at risk. Bring along any records of previous vaccinations to your travel health consultation so that your pharmacist can advise on what is still current and what may need a booster.
Do children need travel vaccines?
Yes, children need travel vaccines too, and in some cases, they may be at greater risk than adults because they are more likely to come into close contact with animals or contaminated environments. Some vaccines have minimum age requirements, so it is important to book a travel health consultation that includes your children so that appropriate recommendations can be made. Make sure you mention the ages of all travellers when you book your appointment.
Travel Vaccinations in Bedfordshire
Getting travel vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family when you go abroad. The key is to plan ahead, book your appointment early, and speak to a qualified travel health professional rather than leaving things to chance. At C&H Barton Pharmacy in Bedfordshire, our experienced team offers personalised travel health consultations, a full range of travel vaccinations, and expert advice tailored to your destination and travel plans. Get in touch today and let us help you travel with confidence.