Travel vaccinations

Travel vaccines protect you from serious illnesses usually found in other countries. Some vaccinations are free on the NHS, and some you need to pay for.

Who should have travel vaccinations

If you're travelling abroad, you may need to be vaccinated against illnesses mainly found in that country.

There are lots of different travel vaccinations, so the ones you’ll need depends on the country you're going to, and where in that country you're going.

Getting vaccinated reduces the chance of you becoming ill or bringing a disease back into the UK. This helps everyone, including vulnerable people who may not be able to have a travel vaccination.

When and where to get travel vaccinations

You should try to get advice from a travel health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This is because some vaccinations involve a course of doses, and others take time to build up protection against the disease.

You may not be fully protected when you travel if you leave your vaccination until the last minute.

Where you get your travel vaccination from depends on the vaccine.

At your appointment, you may be asked about previous travel vaccinations and routine vaccinations. All travellers, including children, are recommended to be up to date with standard vaccinations, such as measles.

If you do not know what vaccinations you've had, you can get help with vaccinations in the NHS App, or ask your GP.