Foreign Travel Advice

Travel Vaccinations 

If you are planning to travel abroad, you may need vaccinations to protect you against infections that are more common in other countries. 

We offer travel vaccination advice based on your destination, the type of trip you are planning and your individual circumstances, for instance which vaccines you have already had.  

NHS-funded travel vaccines 

Some travel vaccines can be provided on the NHS when they are clinically appropriate for your trip. These currently include: 

• Cholera 

• Diphtheria, tetanus and polio 

• Hepatitis A 

• Typhoid 

Where an NHS-funded travel vaccine is prescribed, we may use an NHS prescription (FP10). The prescription can be taken to a community pharmacy, where the vaccine will be dispensed for you.  

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA ) guidance confirms that the  FP10 is an approved NHS prescribing route for vaccines. 

The pharmacy may charge the usual NHS prescription charge unless you are exempt from prescription charges. 

We do not stock travel vaccines due to limited medical refrigeration and to reduce the risk of wasting expired stock.  

Travel vaccines that are not normally NHS-funded 

Some vaccines recommended for travel are not  provided free of charge by the NHS when they are required solely for travel. 

These include: 

• Hepatitis B (when required solely for travel) 

• Japanese encephalitis 

• Meningitis ACWY 

• Yellow fever 

• Tick-borne encephalitis 

• Rabies 

These vaccines are generally available as private travel vaccinations, meaning that you will need to pay for them. NHS England guidance confirms that these vaccines should not normally be prescribed on the NHS solely for travel. If you require these vaccines to travel, you will need to find a private travel clinic to advise you on, prescribe and administer the vaccines.  

How the process works 

1. Tell us about your trip

Please provide details of your destination, travel dates and the type of travel you are planning. This helps us determine which vaccinations and other travel health precautions may be appropriate. Please give us as much time as possible and note that we may not be able to provide this service at short notice.  

2. We will assess which vaccines you need 

A healthcare professional will assess your vaccination history and travel plans and advise you about the vaccinations recommended for your trip. 

3. We will explain whether the vaccine is NHS-funded or private 

If the vaccine is eligible for NHS funding, we will arrange a FP10 NHS prescription and let you know when it is ready to collect. Please book your appointment for the vaccine to be given when you are contacted. 

If the vaccine is not normally NHS-funded for travel, we will explain the private options. 

4. Obtaining an NHS-funded vaccine

Take the NHS prescription to any high street chemist, collect your vaccines and bring to your appointment.  

Please plan ahead 

Travel vaccinations may require more than one dose, and some vaccines need to be given several weeks before you travel. We therefore recommend contacting us as early as possible before your trip, ideally at least 6–8 weeks before departure. 

Travel vaccination requirements can change, so your recommendations should be based on your current destination and travel plans. 

If you are unsure which vaccinations you need, please contact the practice for advice.