What are travel vaccinations?

Travel vaccinations are vaccines recommended — and sometimes legally required — before visiting certain countries or regions. They protect you against infectious diseases that may not be common in the UK but are prevalent at your destination. Getting the right travel vaccines UK travellers need is a crucial part of pre-travel health preparation.

At Burnham Health Pharmacy, we provide a comprehensive travel health consultation to assess your individual risk based on your destination, itinerary, and medical history, ensuring you receive the most appropriate vaccines before you travel.

Common travel vaccines in the UK

Depending on where you are travelling, the following are among the most commonly recommended travel vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A & B — Recommended for most destinations outside Western Europe, North America and Australia.
• Typhoid — Advised for travel to South Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America.
• Yellow Fever — Mandatory for entry into several sub-Saharan African and South American countries.
• Rabies — Recommended for travellers visiting rural areas or planning outdoor activities in risk regions.
• Japanese Encephalitis — For travellers spending extended time in rural parts of South-East Asia.
• Meningitis ACWY — Required for Hajj pilgrims and recommended for travellers to the meningitis belt in Africa.

Are travel vaccines safe?

Yes — travel vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before being approved for use in the UK. They are regularly reviewed by regulatory bodies including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Millions of travellers receive travel vaccinations every year, and serious adverse reactions are extremely rare.

At Burnham Health Pharmacy, all travel vaccinations are administered by trained healthcare professionals who conduct a thorough pre-vaccination health check to ensure each vaccine is appropriate and safe for you personally.

Possible side effects of travel vaccines

Like all medicines, travel vaccines can cause side effects, though most are mild and short-lived. Understanding what to expect can help you plan around them.

 

Vaccine	Common Side Effects	Frequency
Hepatitis A / B	Soreness at injection site, mild fatigue, headache	Common
Typhoid (injection)	Redness/swelling at site, low-grade fever	Common
Yellow Fever	Mild flu-like symptoms, headache, muscle ache	Common
Rabies	Localised pain and swelling, nausea	Common
Japanese Encephalitis	Injection site pain, fever, allergic reaction	Uncommon
Meningitis ACWY	Tenderness at site, temporary stiffness	Common

 

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. Our pharmacists at Burnham Health Pharmacy remain with you for a short observation period after vaccination to ensure your safety.

Benefits of getting travel vaccinations

• Protection against serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases that are common at your destination but rare in the UK.
• Compliance with entry requirements — some countries legally require proof of vaccination (such as yellow fever) for entry.
• Peace of mind — travel with confidence knowing you are protected for your entire trip.
• Reduced risk of bringing diseases back to the UK and spreading them to vulnerable friends or family.
• Long-lasting immunity — many travel vaccines provide protection for years, covering future trips to the same regions.

When should you get travel vaccinations?

Ideally, you should book your travel health appointment at least 4 to 8 weeks before your departure date. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks, and others need time to build full immunity. However, even if your trip is imminent, it is still worth visiting Burnham Health Pharmacy; last-minute vaccinations still provide meaningful protection.

Book your travel vaccination consultation

Speak to a travel health expert at Burnham Health Pharmacy before your next trip. Our trained pharmacists will create a personalised vaccination plan for your destination.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are travel vaccines available on the NHS?

Some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera  if they are deemed medically necessary for your trip. However, most travel vaccinations, including yellow fever, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis are not routinely covered and must be paid for privately. At Burnham Health Pharmacy, we can advise you on what is covered and what is chargeable.

Q2. How long do travel vaccines last?

The duration of protection varies by vaccine. Hepatitis A offers protection for up to 25 years after two doses. Yellow fever vaccination provides lifelong immunity after a single dose. Typhoid vaccines typically last 3 years. Rabies pre-exposure vaccines offer long-term protection but may require booster doses. During your consultation, our pharmacists will review your vaccination history and advise you accordingly.

Q3. Can I have multiple travel vaccines at once?

Yes, in most cases multiple travel vaccines can be administered on the same day, either in different arms or different sites. This is perfectly safe and common practice. There are a few exceptions; for example, some live vaccines may need to be given simultaneously or separated by a 4-week gap. Our pharmacists will plan your vaccination schedule to maximise safety and efficiency.

Q4. Are travel vaccines safe during pregnancy?

The safety of travel vaccines during pregnancy depends on the specific vaccine. Inactivated vaccines (such as hepatitis A and the typhoid injection) are generally considered safe in pregnancy. However, live vaccines (such as yellow fever) are usually avoided unless the risk of disease is very high. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, always inform our pharmacist before receiving any vaccinations.

Q5. What should I do if I have a reaction to a travel vaccine?

Mild reactions such as soreness, redness, and low-grade fever are normal and typically resolve within 1 to 3 days. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you) to manage discomfort. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat — call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately. At Burnham Health Pharmacy, we observe all patients for a short period post-vaccination to monitor for immediate reactions.