Travelling abroad means encountering unfamiliar places and situations which may carry unexpected risks. If you're planning to travel outside the UK,
you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are available to protect
you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
Which travel vaccines are free?
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS. These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country:
- polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
- typhoid
- hepatitis A
- cholera
Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?
You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
- hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- meningitis vaccines
- rabies
- tick-borne encephalitis
- tuberculosis (TB)
- yellow fever
The cost of travel vaccines that aren't available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need. It's worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.
Where do I get my travel vaccines?
Travel advice can be obtained from:
- A private travel vaccination clinic
- Any pharmacy offering travel healthcare services
You should contact the travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.
Fortrose Medical Practice does not offer travel advice. If you require a vaccine for polio, typhoid, hepatitis A or cholera please contact the Practice and make an appointment with the Practice nurse for these vaccines.
Further information can also be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations