Travel plans usually start with flights and end with a last minute scramble over health cover. The order is worth reversing. Most travel vaccines work best when there is time for your immune system to respond, and several are given as a course rather than a single injection.
Start six weeks before you fly
Six weeks gives room for a full course and for the protection to build. Hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever are commonly recommended, while rabies and Japanese encephalitis need several appointments spread over weeks. If your trip is sooner than that, still book. Partial protection and good practical advice are far better than travelling with neither.
What we check at the consultation
- Every country and region on your itinerary, including stopovers
- Dates, length of stay and the type of accommodation
- Planned activities such as trekking, volunteering or animal contact
- Your medical history, current medicines and previous vaccinations
- Whether an entry certificate is required at your destination
Certificates and entry requirements
Some countries will not let you in without proof of yellow fever vaccination. We issue the international certificate at the appointment, and we can provide a duplicate or a medical exemption letter where the vaccine is not suitable. Check requirements again in the week before you travel because rules change at short notice.
The most common problem we see is not the wrong vaccine. It is leaving the appointment until the week of departure.
Beyond vaccination
Malaria tablets, insect bite avoidance, water and food hygiene, sun protection and a sensible travel kit do as much work as any injection. We will talk through what is worth packing for your destination, and how to store medicines that need to stay cool.
If you take regular medicines
Order your repeat prescription early so you have enough for the whole trip plus a spare week. Keep tablets in their original packaging in your hand luggage, and ask us for a letter if you are carrying anything that customs may query.
Booking with us
Travel appointments at Safys Chemist run in our private consultation room on Melton Road. Bring a list of your current medicines, any vaccination records you already have, and your itinerary. Twenty minutes is usually enough to leave with a clear plan.
