What Vaccines are Required for International Travel?

What Vaccines are Required for International Travel?

Travelling outside the UK could require you to get vaccinated against some of the most contagious and highly communicable diseases from other countries. Travel clinic consultations and vaccinations are necessary before your trip.

Considering vaccinations before a trip must start at least eight weeks before your flight. Those living in South London should consider a visit to a private travel clinic in Carshalton. Those in the nearby districts like Beddington, North Cheam, and The Wrythe may schedule their appointment with a travel clinic in Sutton.

Where To Get Travel Vaccines?

Before setting an appointment to get travel vaccines, you must call or drop by a GP’s office to know if your existing UK vaccines are updated. You may have to show the GP your vaccination records to help determine which ones you already have. You could also ask the GP if they can give you free NHS travel vaccinations.

If your GP could not provide the necessary travel vaccinations, you may choose to visit a private travel vaccination clinic to get it. Some pharmacies offering healthcare services for travel can also provide the required vaccines.

What Are The Free Travel Vaccines?

GP practice that provide free vaccination can give you the following vaccines without any charges:

  • Polio (administered as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio dose)
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Cholera
  • The UK government provide these vaccines for free because they can put the public at risk if an infected person enters the country.

    What Travel Vaccines Should I Pay For?

    You must have a paid travel vaccination appointment if you are going outside the UK and visit destinations with known cases of various diseases. The vaccines that you must pay for include:

    • Japanese encephalitis
    • Hepatitis B
    • Meningitis vaccines
    • Rabies
    • Tick-borne encephalitis
    • Yellow fever (selected centres only)
    • Tuberculosis (TB)
      • The price for these vaccines varies. It will depend on the type of travel vaccine you need and the number of doses administered before your flight. You need to consider these expenses when budgeting for your upcoming trip.

        Other Non-Travel Vaccines

        Since you must get your travel vaccinations before the flight, you can also use it as an opportunity to update your vaccine record by getting booster shots. You should let your GP know your vaccination history to help them determine the boosters that you need.

        Some of the most common vaccinations administered in the UK include Hepatitis B, Flu, Chickenpox, and Tuberculosis (TB).

        Getting vaccinated before your trip can give you peace of mind while you travel. It will protect you from various diseases. With the help of these vaccines, you also protect your community from viral transmissions.