Patients are advised to check any additional requirements that their travel operators or airline may impose and to obtain adequate travel insurance.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are not prescribed by the NHS for the purpose of preventing DVT on long-haul flights.
Emergency travel kits
There are two types of emergency travel kits available, but neither are provided by the NHS. If required, you can purchase them from:
- Local community pharmacies
- Private travel clinics
Missed or incomplete vaccinations
If you do not complete your required vaccinations before you travel, or if a dose is scheduled while you are away, you can find a travel clinic abroad through the Global Travel Clinic Directory.
Sun protection
- Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside.
- Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
Safe drinking water
You should only use water for drinking, making ice cubes or cleaning teeth if it has been bottled or canned by a known manufacturer and the seal is intact, boiled and cooled and stored in a clean container.
Common travel vaccination questions
Travelling and going abroad can be an unforgettable experience. However, to prepare for your travels, you need to take the right measures to stay safe and healthy. One of the main things to consider before leaving is to get all the vaccinations that you will need for your chosen destination.
Below, we have answered some of the common questions that can get asked regarding travel vaccinations.
Are travel vaccinations free?
Most travel vaccinations are not cost-free, however in the UK the Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis A, DPT is given for free on the NHS. Other vaccinations such as Yellow Fever and Rabies etc have a cost behind them. However, there are often waiting lists and long lead up times with the NHS, so using a private doctor is beneficial because you can pay and get seen quicker.
Which destinations require vaccinations?
Many destinations require you to have vaccinations before you travel to them, however it is even more important to get vaccinations to underdeveloped countries – such as Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South and Central America.
When should I get travel vaccinations?
Many vaccinations are given in a series of shots over a specific period, but most of them should be given at least a month before travel. Also take into consideration that if you are having to get the NHS funded vaccines, through the NHS, there may be a waiting time for the vaccinations, so book in plenty of notice.
Where can I get travel vaccinations?
Firstly, you should fill in the travel risk assessment form, available at the surgery reception or on the website. This form needs to be filled in by all the travellers individually and by the Private clinic provider who will carry out the risk assessment and administer the vaccines which are required and not free on NHS.
The private Travel Clinic Provider will also recommend the NHS funded vaccines required for your travel. You can then decide if you want to get these privately (chargeable) or in the surgery (submit the risk assessment form to be reviewed by the Practice Nurse).
How long do travel vaccinations last?
Each vaccination has a different durability – which can range from 2 years to 10 years. Vaccinations such as Yellow Fever have a lifelong effect, but others require boosters. You should always check before you travel if you need a booster vaccination, even if you had it in the past.
Are there side effects?
Side effects following the vaccinations may include pain, swelling and redness at the injection site. Occasionally, you may experience fever, headaches and tiredness – which you can counteract by drinking plenty of fluids and paracetamol if you have a fever.
How effective are travel vaccinations?
The World Health Organisation states that no vaccine is 100% effective, however most vaccines are 85-95% effective.
Useful resources
For more travel health advice, visit:
- Travel vaccination advice – NHS
- NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network & Centre)
- Passports, travel and living abroad – GOV.UK
- Travel Guides & Travel Information – Lonely Planet
- Fit for Travel
- Travelling with Diabetes
- Travel Health Pro
- Medical Advice Services for Travellers Abroad
- Travel Health Advice & Information About Travel Diseases
- International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)
- Mosquito Bite Avoidance – Fit for Travel
Specified books and references
The Green Book
Immunization against Infectious Disease. First published in 2006 as Immunization against infectious disease by The Stationery Office, and popularly known as the ‘Green Book’, this publication is now available as individual chapters via the Immunization section of the GOV.UK website and not in printed form.
Updates available at Immunisation against infectious disease – GOV.UK
Please note, the paper copy of the Green Book should no longer be used.
The UK Malaria Guidelines
Chiodini PL, Patel D, Goodyer L. Guidelines for malaria prevention in travelers from the United Kingdom, 2023. London: UK Health Security Agency; July 2023.
Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK – GOV.UK
Travel health nursing
Royal College of Nursing (2023) Competencies: travel health nursing: career and competence development, London: RCN
Good practice guidance for providing a travel health service
Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service from the Faculty of Travel Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service
Online computer database
Online computer database e.g. TRAVAX and or NaTHNaC (please note, the use of charts published in journals is no longer the preferable way for providing up to date advice within a consultation, online databases are updated far more regularly and are the recommended option).
British National Formulary (latest edition)
British National Formulary | BNF Publications
Online atlas
Recommended websites for up to date information for health care professionals but some useful ones also for travellers e.g.
- Public Health Scotland – TRAVAX for Health Care Professionals and their public site Fit for Travel
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
- Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office