You have booked your flights, sorted your accommodation, and started packing. But have you checked whether you need any travel vaccinations? According to Public Health England, thousands of UK travellers return home each year with preventable infections because they did not get vaccinated before their trip.
The vaccinations you need depend on where you are going, how long you are staying, and what activities you plan to do. At Norfolk Street Pharmacy in Stoke-on-Trent, we offer a comprehensive travel health consultation to make sure you are fully protected before you leave.
Why Do You Need Travel Vaccinations?
Many countries have diseases that are uncommon or non-existent in the UK. Your immune system has no experience fighting these infections, which means you are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. Travel vaccinations work by training your immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases before you encounter them.
Some vaccinations are mandatory for entry into certain countries. For example, you cannot enter many African and South American countries without proof of yellow fever vaccination. Others are strongly recommended based on the health risks at your destination.
Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself. It also protects the people around you, both at your destination and when you return home. Some travel diseases are highly contagious, and bringing them back to the UK can put vulnerable people at risk.
Which Vaccinations Are Available at Our Travel Clinic?
We offer a full range of travel vaccinations at our travel health clinic. The most commonly requested vaccines include:
- Hepatitis A — recommended for most destinations in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. A single dose provides protection for up to a year; a booster at 6-12 months gives protection for 25 years.
- Hepatitis B — recommended for longer stays, healthcare workers, or travellers who may have new sexual partners abroad. Three doses over 4-6 months for full protection.
- Typhoid — essential for travel to South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Available as a single injection with protection lasting about 3 years.
- Yellow fever — mandatory for entry into many countries in Africa and South America. A single dose provides lifelong protection. We are an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
- Rabies — recommended for travellers visiting remote areas where access to medical care is limited, or those planning activities involving contact with animals.
- Japanese encephalitis — recommended for rural travel in Southeast Asia and the Far East, particularly during the monsoon season.
- Meningitis ACWY — required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Also recommended for sub-Saharan Africa travel.
- Cholera — an oral vaccine recommended for travel to areas with active outbreaks or poor sanitation.
How Far in Advance Should You Get Vaccinated?
Ideally, you should book your travel health consultation 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. This allows time for multi-dose vaccines and for your body to build immunity. However, even if your trip is just a few days away, it is still worth coming in. Some vaccines provide rapid protection, and partial protection is better than none.
Here is a rough timeline to help you plan:
- 8+ weeks before: Book your consultation. Start any multi-dose courses (hepatitis B, rabies).
- 6 weeks before: Single-dose vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever).
- 4 weeks before: Start malaria prevention tablets if needed.
- 1 week before: Pick up any remaining medications, travel first aid supplies, and insect repellent.
What About Malaria Prevention?
There is no vaccine for malaria, but prescription antimalarial tablets can significantly reduce your risk. Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites and is found across large parts of Africa, South Asia, and Central America.
We prescribe antimalarial medications tailored to your destination, trip length, and medical history. The main options include:
- Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) — taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel. Well-tolerated with few side effects.
- Doxycycline — taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel. An affordable option that also protects against some other infections.
- Mefloquine (Lariam) — taken weekly, starting 2-3 weeks before travel. Suitable for longer trips.
During your consultation, we will recommend the most appropriate option and explain how to take it correctly. We also provide advice on bite prevention, including the best insect repellents and protective clothing strategies.
What Happens During a Travel Health Consultation?
When you visit us for a travel health consultation, our pharmacist will:
- Review your travel itinerary, including all countries, regions, and planned activities
- Check your existing vaccination history
- Assess any medical conditions or medications that may affect vaccine suitability
- Recommend the appropriate vaccinations and malaria prevention
- Administer vaccines on the same visit where possible
- Provide a travel health pack with destination-specific advice
We keep detailed records of all vaccinations administered, and we can provide official certificates where required (including the International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel vaccinations free on the NHS?
Some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS through your GP, including hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, and polio boosters. Others, such as yellow fever, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis, are private and must be paid for. We offer competitive pricing for all private travel vaccines.
Can I get all my travel vaccinations in one visit?
In most cases, yes. Multiple vaccines can safely be given on the same day. Some multi-dose courses (like hepatitis B and rabies) require follow-up visits, which is why we recommend booking 6-8 weeks ahead.
Do children need travel vaccinations?
Yes. Children travelling to high-risk areas need travel vaccinations just like adults. Some vaccines have minimum age requirements, which we will explain during your consultation. Bring your child’s red book (vaccination record) if you have it.
What if I am pregnant and need to travel?
Some travel vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy, including yellow fever and live vaccines. If you are pregnant and planning to travel, book a consultation as early as possible so we can advise on the safest options for you and your baby.
Do I need a vaccination certificate to travel?
For most destinations, vaccination certificates are not checked at the border. The main exception is yellow fever, where many countries require proof of vaccination for entry. We issue official International Certificates of Vaccination when you receive your yellow fever vaccine with us.
Do not leave your travel health to the last minute. Book a travel health consultation at Norfolk Street Pharmacy or book online. We will make sure you are fully protected so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.