What to know about travel vaccination in travellers

A travel consultation considers where you will go, how long you will stay, the type of accommodation, planned activities, current outbreaks, and previous vaccines. Advice can differ for city travel, rural visits, trekking, animal contact, or medical work. Routine vaccines may need checking as well. Some vaccines require more than one appointment or time to build protection, so the schedule matters.

Book a travel-health appointment as soon as the itinerary is known, and bring your vaccine record, medical history, current medicines, allergies, pregnancy plans, and details of previous travel. Discuss destination-specific vaccines, malaria prevention where relevant, food and water precautions, insect-bite avoidance, and what to do after an animal bite. Keep vaccine records and prescribed medicines accessible during the journey.

Seek pre-travel advice promptly if departure is soon, the trip includes remote areas, or you have a long-term condition, weakened immunity, pregnancy, or a young child travelling with you. During travel, obtain medical help for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, dehydration, persistent high fever, or a serious injury. After returning, mention recent travel to a clinician if you become unwell, especially with fever or diarrhoea.

Ask which vaccines are recommended for each stop, whether routine vaccines are up to date, how many appointments may be needed, and which side effects need attention. Ask how your medicines or health conditions change the travel plan.