Back to Travel Vaccinations

Travel Vaccinations you need

The vaccines on the national vaccination schedule help to protect you from infections which could affect you or your children in the UK. Everyone in the UK should have these vaccinations as standard when they are growing up. When you travel abroad, you often need additional vaccinations to protect yourself from infections which pose a threat in other parts of the world. Which vaccinations you need depends on where you are going and the time of the year of your trip.

Malaria

If you are travelling to a risk area for malaria, you need to take malaria tablets with you. Depending on where you are going, you can choose between Chloroquine, Malarone and Doxycycline.

When should I see a travel nurse?

You should arrange to see a travel nurse at least six to eight weeks before you are planning to leave the UK, as some vaccinations require more than one injection, over the course of several weeks. Your travel nurse can advise you on which vaccines you need.

Most travel vaccines are suitable for small children but there are some age restrictions to consider. If you are planning a trip with your baby or toddler, make sure you consult a doctor or travel nurse well in advance of your departure.

Every year, the NHS estimates that almost one in four British holidaymakers will travel without getting vaccinated properly, meaning that they’re potentially exposed to life-threatening infectious diseases. Travelling without immunisation will also put others at risk, too, as you could bring an infection back to the UK with you.

However late in the game it is, make sure you do all that you can to avoid getting sick abroad by going to speak to your GP or someone at a local Superdrug Travel Clinic about your vaccine options.

Which travel vaccines are free?

Some travel vaccines are usually free on the NHS. This includes:

  • diphtheria, polio and tetanus boosters
  • cholera vaccine
  • typhoid vaccine
  • hepatitis a and hepatitis b combined vaccine

Vaccines you would usually need to pay for include:

  • hepatitis B (unless combined with hepatitis A)
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • tick-borne encephalitis
  • meningitis vaccines
  • rabies
  • tuberculosis (TB)
  • yellow fever

Many GPs do not keep stock for these vaccines so it’s important that you check with your GP before you make an appointment. GPs may be unable to provide a full travel consultation and tell you which vaccines you need so you need to check whether your GP will be able to advise you.

Make sure you have a consultation well in advance of travel so that you can return to your GP for any additional doses you need or attend a travel clinic for any additional vaccines you need.

Stay safe on your holidays

Make sure you and your children have received all boosters listed on the national child vaccine schedule.

Choose the food and drink you consume carefully to avoid food poisoning and other infections.

Research your destination and pack everything you need to stay safe – from sunscreen to insect repellent

Take a European Health Insurance Card with you – it is free and it makes you eligible for medical treatment for free or at a reduced fee when travelling within the EU

Choose a comprehensive travel insurance

Visit your local Superdrug Health Clinic

See a specialist nurse or pharmacist

We’ll never recommend vaccines you don’t need – If a vaccine is optional, we will explain your options so you can decide whether you would like to have it.

We’re here to keep you protected from even the rarest of diseases. Nearly all Superdrug Travel clinics are registered Yellow Fever centres, prescribe anti-malarial tablets, and offer travel vaccines against all sorts of unusual illnesses like Japanese Encephalitis. Wherever it is you’re going, let us know, and we’re sure to have the vaccines you need. Our specialist travel nurses are always happy to help.

Superdrug Travel Clinics also pride themselves on being able to offer a premium travel healthcare service that’s local and affordable for everyone. Take a look at our local clinic pages to read about the specialist nurses who’ll be giving you your complete travel healthcare services and to get directions to your nearest clinic.

Find your nerest clinic