Getting travel vaccinated means receiving the vaccines recommended or required for the specific countries and regions you are visiting, so that you are protected against illnesses that may be rare or absent in the UK but prevalent at your destination. It is one of the most important steps in preparing for international travel, particularly for trips to tropical, subtropical, or developing regions where certain infections pose a genuine risk. Done early enough, travel vaccination gives your immune system the time it needs to build full protection before you depart.

At Shivas Pharmacy, we run a dedicated travel vaccination clinic in Surrey where our team can advise you on exactly what you need based on your destination and travel plans. Contact us today or book your appointment.

Why Getting Travel Vaccinated Matters

Many of the infections that travel vaccines protect against are serious, and some can be life-threatening. Without vaccination, travellers visiting endemic areas are exposed to diseases that their immune systems have never encountered and have no natural defence against. Unlike residents of those regions who may have developed some immunity through prior exposure, visitors arrive without any existing protection.

Travel vaccination is also not just about protecting yourself. Returning travellers who have not been vaccinated can introduce infections to communities at home, including vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Getting vaccinated before travel is therefore both a personal and a public health responsibility. You can read more about general travel health precautions on the NHS travel vaccinations page.

How To Know Which Vaccines You Need

The vaccines you need for travel depend on several factors, including your destination, the length of your trip, the type of activities you plan to do, and your existing vaccination history. There is no single list that applies to every traveller. Someone backpacking through rural Southeast Asia for three months will need a very different vaccine profile to someone spending a week in a resort in the Caribbean.

Key factors that influence your vaccine requirements include:

Factor	Why It Matters
Destination country and region	Disease prevalence varies significantly between and within countries
Trip duration	Longer trips increase cumulative exposure risk
Planned activities	Trekking, volunteering, and wildlife contact all carry specific risks
Accommodation type	Rural or basic settings increase exposure compared to hotels
Your vaccination history	Previous doses may still be valid, avoiding unnecessary repeat vaccination
Underlying health conditions	Some vaccines may not be suitable or may be more strongly indicated

Common Travel Vaccines And What They Protect Against

While your specific vaccine needs will be tailored to your trip, some vaccines come up frequently for travellers visiting a wide range of destinations. These include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis ACWY, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

One vaccine that is sometimes overlooked is the tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV) booster, which is recommended for travellers who have not had a booster in the last ten years, particularly if they are visiting regions where healthcare access is limited or where these diseases still occur. Many adults are surprised to discover they are overdue for this vaccine, as it is easy to lose track of boosters received in adulthood.

When Should You Get Travel Vaccinated?

Timing is one of the most important aspects of travel vaccination planning. Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over weeks or months to be fully effective. Others need time after the final dose before immunity is established. Leaving vaccination until the week before departure can mean you depart without full protection, or that certain vaccines cannot be completed in time.

As a general rule:

• ✓  Book your travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before departure
• ✓  For longer or more complex trips, aim for three months or more in advance
• ✓  If you have left it late, still attend a consultation as some vaccines can be given closer to departure
• ✓  Bring your existing vaccination record so your pharmacist can identify gaps

Finding A Travel Vaccination Clinic Near You

Accessing the right travel health advice is as important as the vaccines themselves. A dedicated travel clinic staffed by trained pharmacists or nurses can assess your individual risk, recommend the right vaccines, and advise on malaria prevention, insect bite protection, and other destination-specific risks that go beyond vaccination.

If you are looking for a travel vaccination clinic near you, Shivas Pharmacy offers a full travel health service in Surrey. Our team stays up to date with the latest guidance from Public Health England and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) to ensure our advice reflects current recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I get travel vaccinated?

Ideally, at least six to eight weeks before travel, and three months or more for complex itineraries. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so starting early is essential to complete your course in time.

Are travel vaccines free on the NHS?

Some vaccines routinely included in the NHS schedule are available free of charge, but many travel-specific vaccines are not. A travel clinic can clarify which vaccines are NHS-funded and which require a private prescription.

Do I need travel vaccines for Europe?

Most destinations in Western Europe carry low risk, but travel to parts of Eastern Europe or certain rural areas may still warrant some vaccines such as a tetanus booster or hepatitis A. Always check destination-specific advice regardless of continent.

Can I get all my travel vaccines in one appointment?

Multiple vaccines can usually be administered at the same appointment. Your pharmacist will advise on the best schedule based on your departure date, the vaccines required, and any clinical considerations.

Does Shivas Pharmacy offer travel vaccination consultations?

Yes. Our travel clinic in Surrey provides full travel health consultations and a wide range of travel vaccines. Book an appointment with our team to get started.

Book Your Travel Vaccination Appointment At Shivas Pharmacy

Being properly travel vaccinated is one of the most valuable investments you can make before any international trip. It takes the worry out of your destination and lets you focus entirely on the experience ahead.

Contact us today and book your appointment at Shivas Pharmacy so our team can get you fully protected and ready for wherever you are headed.

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.