14-05-2025
What travel vaccines do I need for my trip? Everything you need to know
Few of us think about vaccinations before travel, but it can be crucial for certain destinations where the risk of infectious diseases is high. But far from just keeping us healthy, vaccinations can also form part of a country's entry requirements, especially for diseases such as yellow fever and polio where proof of vaccination is often needed. Vaccine requirements change over time, too. In the case of malaria, for example, the affected areas can shift. And then there's the fact that vaccinations aren't always straightforward. Depending on the vaccine, you might be fine with just one dose or you might need multiple doses over months. Here's what you need to know.
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Before any travel abroad, check your routine immunisations are up to date, because many are common travel vaccines — such as tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and hepatitis B. Childhood vaccinations received will differ between age groups, as well as other factors, and some require boosters over time. For example, diphtheria has a recommended ten-yearly booster if travelling in high-risk areas.
Hepatitis B hasn't always been a routine immunisation, so you may want to ask your GP about your status. Infections like hepatitis B are spread through bodily fluids, so sensible precautions should be taken with sexual encounters, medical procedures, tattoos and piercings.
While not usually part of the routine schedule, hepatitis A and typhoid are such common recommendations worldwide that they're often worth getting for travel. All the above, plus cholera, are usually free on the NHS, but hepatitis B is only available to certain groups (you can expect to pay about £150 privately for a three-dose course).
Covid-19 and seasonal flu jabs are also recommended, especially for those normally considered in an at-risk group — or, in some instances, travelling to crowded places such as festivals and religious or sporting events.
Many common travel illnesses don't have vaccines, like the all-too-familiar travellers' diarrhoea, which most commonly presents after consuming contaminated food or water. Altitude sickness should be taken into account when visiting any destination above 2,400m.
Vaccination isn't suitable or possible for a number of mosquito-borne diseases — however, there can be exceptions, for example if you've had a previous infection of dengue.
Always research possible health risks and take appropriate precautions, including all-important travel insurance. Make sure any medications you take can be legally brought into your destination — some restrictions may surprise you.
Most European pathogens are covered by UK routine vaccinations. Hepatitis A jabs are often recommended — it's spread through faeces, so thrives around poor sanitation and contaminated water.
Several European countries pose a risk of rabies and the vaccine is usually given in three doses over four weeks, although this can be shortened where time is an issue. It costs about £200 for the course — but even then, the vaccine won't fully protect you. If you've been bitten, scratched or, in some cases, licked by an infected animal (bear in mind, its symptoms might not be present), seek immediate medical attention to prevent the fatal disease.
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in northern, central and eastern Europe. Consider getting the vaccine for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, cycling or fishing, in at-risk countries. Three doses over 12 months — about £200 — offers full protection, but there's also an accelerated course, and boosters are encouraged.
France, Spain and Italy have in recent years reported cases of dengue. This nasty mosquito-borne infection can be fatal and there's no vaccine (except in instances of previous infection). Cover up from dawn until dusk, and use insect repellents.
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Vaccine recommendations vary greatly over huge continents like Asia. Beyond routine immunisations, typhoid and hepatitis A are the most common and both are free on the NHS. Typhoid is spread mainly through contaminated food and drink.
Depending on trip duration and previous travel, some countries demand international certification of a recent polio booster; check requirements for Pakistan, India and Indonesia in particular. Though Asia doesn't have yellow fever, countries like India or Singapore may need to see vaccine proof if you're travelling from affected countries.
A rabies vaccination is suggested for most destinations, including India, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Rabies risk is far higher in countries with lots of wild or stray animals — steer clear, however cute. The three-dose vaccine is expensive (about £200) but can save lives.
Shots for tick-borne encephalitis (about £200) are suggested if undertaking outdoor activities in affected destinations. Certain at-risk travellers are advised to get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis (about £200 for a two-dose course) and cholera (free on the NHS) — depending on factors such as personal health, type of activities and duration of stay.
In some regions, mosquitoes carry malaria, dengue and zika (which can cause birth defects). While there is little in the way of vaccines here, for malaria you can take antimalarial tablets; there's a wide variety available, with differing doses, prices and side effects. Most require a prescription, although they can be requested easily from pharmacies online without seeing your GP. This is the safer, preferred option when buying antimalarial tablets online, which could either be fakes or not the correct type you need for your travels.
In general, insect and water precautions are advised across most Asian destinations.
Pilgrims heading to haj or umra will need, among other requirements, proof of a meningococcal meningitis vaccine (about £60) given within the past three years, and no less than ten days before arrival.
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Africa is a massive continent with myriad vaccine recommendations — routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are a given. If staying longer than four weeks in many countries, a polio booster with international certification is advised.
Africa has many wild and stray animals, so consider the three rabies doses for afflicted countries (about £200). Dogs, cats, bats and monkeys are prime candidates for carrying the disease. Many of the UK's favourite African destinations — Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Mauritius — don't suggest vaccines beyond these.
Yellow fever sets Africa apart. Present in popular destinations such as Kenya and Uganda, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can turn deadly. Many countries will insist you carry your original vaccination certificate when travelling to, from or through affected countries (jabs cost about £70). Mosquitoes may also carry malaria, dengue and zika. Antimalarial tablets are advised in high-risk areas.
Some African destinations, such as Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, experience meningococcal meningitis epidemics. Jabs cost about £60. Spread person to person through droplets, some meningitis forms are covered under routine immunisations, but boosters are often advised. Cholera vaccination may be recommended to certain at-risk travellers.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 90 per cent of the world's schistosomiasis cases. It's caught when a parasite living in fresh water comes into contact with your skin, for example when swimming and bathing. So always be cautious with water and hygiene.
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Routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are advised for South America. Like Africa, much of South America has yellow fever — so vaccination is a good idea (about £70). Be sure to carry proof with you, where needed, for entry and exit requirements. Mosquitoes may also spread malaria, zika and dengue, so cover up, wear repellent, and take antimalarial tablets in affected areas.
Prolific wildlife and stray animals mean rabies vaccination is recommended for many South American countries (about £200). Even with three doses, you'll need urgent medical attention should risk of infection occur.
Great swathes of South America are high altitude (above 2,400m), so beware of altitude sickness.
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UK travellers to Canada and the US need only consider routine vaccinations, hepatitis A and altitude sickness. Rabies is rare, but you may want to consider the three-dose vaccine (about £200).
Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for Caribbean and Central American destinations. Dengue and zika are prevalent across both regions, so protect against mosquito bites. Malaria is often low to no risk, but is present in some countries — for example, Honduras, where antimalarial tablets are advised for high-risk areas.
The NHS recommends travellers consider the rabies vaccine for some Central American and Caribbean destinations, such as Panama and Cuba; and cholera for those who might be at-risk on Hispaniola.
Panama and Trinidad & Tobago have yellow fever, so get a vaccine plus a certificate if travelling on to countries that demand them (about £70).
Some Central American destinations have areas of high altitude.
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Australia and New Zealand are recommended the usual vaccines, and hepatitis A for at-risk travellers. Australia also suggests Japanese encephalitis shots for at-risk visitors (about £200), which is usually spread by mosquitoes in rural areas. Some Australian regions have dengue fever, so take the necessary precautions.
Many Pacific Island destinations add hepatitis A and typhoid to recommended routine vaccines. Only Kiribati has rabies, and you should consider the vaccine. Mosquito-borne dengue is found across many islands, while destinations such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have zika. Take insect precautions to lower your risk of infection.
Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have malaria, so antimalarial medications are advised. The latter two also have zika. It's recommended at-risk travellers get cholera and Japanese encephalitis vaccines for Papua New Guinea too.
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