Travel Vaccines at a Glance
| Vaccine | Destination | Required vs Recommended | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Most developing countries | Recommended — very common abroad | 2 doses (0 and 6–12 months) |
| Typhoid | South Asia, Africa, South America | Recommended | 1 injection or oral (3 capsules) — boosters needed |
| Yellow fever | Sub-Saharan Africa, South America | Mandatory for entry in many countries | 1 dose — lifelong protection |
| Rabies | Africa, Asia, Central America (rural) | Recommended for rural/prolonged stays | Pre-exposure: 3 doses over 21 days |
| Japanese encephalitis | Rural Asia (wet season) | Recommended for rural stays >4 weeks | 2 doses 28 days apart |
| Meningococcal ACWY | Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah); Meningitis Belt | Mandatory for Hajj | 1 dose |
Malaria Prophylaxis
| Drug | Region | Dosing | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) | Most areas | Daily; start 1–2 days before; stop 7 days after | Best for short trips; few side effects |
| Doxycycline | Southeast Asia, Africa | Daily; start 2 days before; stop 4 weeks after | Cheapest; photosensitivity; avoid in pregnancy |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) | Selected areas | Weekly; start 2–3 weeks before | Psychiatric side effects — avoid if history of depression/epilepsy |
| Chloroquine + proguanil | Limited areas now (mainly Caribbean) | Daily; start 1 week before | Chloroquine resistance widespread — limited use |
Bite Avoidance Is as Important as AntimalarialsDEET 50% repellent, long-sleeved clothing, permethrin-treated clothing, and insecticide-impregnated bed nets reduce malaria transmission independently of antimalarial medication. No prophylaxis is 100% effective.
How early should I see a travel health nurse?
Ideally 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines (hepatitis B, rabies) require multiple doses over weeks. Yellow fever is given by certified centres. Some areas have rapidly changing risk profiles.
Does the EHIC/GHIC cover all healthcare abroad?
No. The GHIC (UK replacement for EHIC) provides access to state healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as locals — not private hospitals, not repatriation, not pre-existing condition cover. Travel insurance with adequate medical cover is essential.
What is traveller's diarrhoea?
The most common travel illness — bacterial gastroenteritis (usually E. coli) from contaminated food or water. Prevent with food hygiene (boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it). Treat with oral rehydration; antibiotics (azithromycin or ciprofloxacin) for moderate-severe cases.
Can pregnant women travel abroad?
Generally yes, with precautions. Avoid malaria-endemic areas if possible (antimalarials have varying safety profiles in pregnancy). Yellow fever vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy. Long-haul flights: low-dose aspirin + compression stockings for DVT prevention. Most airlines won't carry women past 36 weeks.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.