Most travel vaccines need at least three to four weeks to build immunity, and some - like rabies and Japanese encephalitis - need a full course. Here's a week-by-week plan.
The single biggest mistake we see in our travel clinic is patients booking two weeks before departure. By then it is too late for some vaccines and too rushed for others. Give yourself eight weeks and you'll have every option available.
Your eight-week plan
- 01
Week 8 - Book your consultation
A pharmacist will review your destination, itinerary, activities and medical history. This is free and takes about 20 minutes.
- 02
Week 6 - First dose of any course vaccines
Hepatitis B and rabies need three doses over a month. Japanese encephalitis needs two.
- 03
Week 4 - Single-dose vaccines
Typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever and MMR boosters. Yellow fever needs 10 days to be valid for entry.
- 04
Week 2 - Second doses and boosters
Complete any course started earlier. Pick up anti-malarials if needed.
- 05
Week of travel
Pick up anti-malarials to start on time. Grab a mosquito repellent, oral rehydration sachets and travel-sickness tablets.
Bring to your consultation
- Your full itinerary including any short excursions
- Your vaccination history (NHS app or GP printout)
- A list of current medicines
- Any allergies
- Details of chronic conditions
We are a Yellow Fever accredited centre and stock the full range of NHS and private travel vaccines. Book your consultation online or call the pharmacy to get started.