Travel Health & Vaccinations

Since 1940 children in the UK have been routinely immunised against diphtheria. However both adults and children are advised to check with their doctor if booster vaccinations may be required.

Since 1961 children in the UK have been routinely immunised against tetanus. However both adults and children are advised to check with their doctor if booster vaccinations may be required.

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended before travelling to Asia.

Typhoid is extremely rare but does occasionally occur in the UK, with about 25 cases reported per year. Due to its rarity it is not usual for UK residents to be routinely vaccinated, but it is common in Asia and therefore vaccination is recommended before travelling.

The most commonly asked health-related question concerns malaria and whether or not to take anti-malaria tablets; the only answer we can (legally) give is to consult your GP and follow their advice on malaria precautions for your holiday.

Cholera is a rare condition, confined to areas with poor sanitation and water hygiene. Mass outbreaks occasionally occur as a result of civil strife or natural disaster, for example in refugee camps, due to the resulting overcrowding and poor access to clean water. Advice to travellers is to drink clean water, maintain good personal hygiene, and consult your GP if in doubt about whether you need should have a cholera vaccination.

Since 1955 children in the UK have been routinely immunised against polio and since 1988 there have been no reported cases of polio in the UK. It is extremely unlikely therefore that a polio vaccination will be required.

You are advised to consult your GP as to whether you are already vaccinated against Tuberculosis, or if vaccination is advised prior to your trip.

Japanese encephalitis is a relatively rare disease, with only 2 reported cases of UK travellers contracting the illness in the last 29 years. In most occurrences of the illness the effects are mild, including headaches, fever and a high temperature. In about 1 in every 200 cases, the symptoms may be much more serious and can lead to death. Advice to travellers is to do all possible to avoid mosquito bites, and consult your GP if in doubt about whether you need should have a Japanese encephalitis vaccination.

Whilst the UK is considered rabies-free, it exists throughout the world including Asia, in animals including dogs, cats, monkeys and bats. It is therefore advisable not to pet or stroke unfamiliar animals whilst abroad. It is possible to take a pre-exposure vaccination against rabies, which slows the development of the disease should you be bitten or scratched by an infected animal. You should consider the vaccination if you are travelling in a remote area where you will be more than 24 hours from medical help. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal please seek immediate medical assistance.