Hepatitis A is a viral infection which can cause severe liver disease. The viral infection is usually spread by contaminated food and water.
Travellers will receive an active vaccine. This is a purified, inactivated preparation of hepatitis A virus.
Those travelling to or who will be residing in areas where the disease is common, particularly if sanitation and food hygiene is likely to be poor. Additional vaccine information: The vaccine is also available combined with hepatitis B or typhoid.
A single injection 2 weeks prior to travel. Then a reinforcing dose 6-12 months later.
2 weeks before travel
General issues: Patients who have had a serious reaction (”anaphylaxis”) to a previous dose of this vaccine or its constituents. Specific issues: One brand of vaccine ”Epaxal” should not be given to those who have had anaphylaxis to hens’ eggs.
There is no evidence of risk.
25 years
Very few. Temporary tenderness at the site of the injection.
£82 per dose
Diphtheria is usually spread by close contact with infected persons. In the UK, the combined Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio vaccine is recommended when diphtheria boosters are indicated for adults. A diphtheria booster lasts 10 years. Tetanus is a serious infection, usually contracted following contamination of wounds. In the UK, after 5 doses of vaccine, tetanus boosters are not routinely required unless travelling to areas with limited medical care. In the UK, the combined Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio vaccine is recommended when tetanus boosters are indicated. A tetanus booster lasts 10 years.
Given as a combined vaccine with polio, tetanus and diphtheria.
Those travelling to an area with poor access to medical attention who have not had a booster in the last 10 years. Additional vaccine information: If your childhood schedule was incomplete, seek guidance about additional doses. In the UK, tetanus vaccine is combined with polio and diphtheria.
A single injection.
2 weeks before travel
General issues: Patients who have had a serious reaction (”anaphylaxis”) to a previous dose of this vaccine or its constituents. Specific issues: Unstable epilepsy.
There is no evidence of risk.
10 years
Very few. Temporary tenderness at the site of the injection
£50 per dose
Hepatitis B is a viral infection which can cause serious liver disease. It is usually spread sexually and by contact with infected blood or body fluids (e.g. puncture of the skin with contaminated needles). Vaccination is recommended for long-stay travellers, and those at risk due to their medical history, activities or work.
Travellers to areas of high or intermediate prevalence who place themselves at risk when abroad should be offered immunisation. The behaviours that place them at risk will include sexual activity, injecting drug use, undertaking relief aid work and/or participating in contact sports. Travellers are also at risk of acquiring infection as a result of medical or dental procedures carried out in countries where unsafe therapeutic injections are a possibility.
Additional vaccine information: The vaccine is available combined with hepatitis A vaccine.
Those travelling to an area with poor access to medical attention who have not had a booster in the last 10 years. Additional vaccine information: If your childhood schedule was incomplete, seek guidance about additional doses. In the UK, tetanus vaccine is combined with polio and diphtheria.
There are several different schedules of vaccination. Usually we advise three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
2 months before travel
General issues: Patients who have had a serious reaction (”anaphylaxis”) to a previous dose of this vaccine or its constituents. Specific issues: Vaccination should not replace other protective measures against infection, for example the use of condoms.
There is no evidence of risk.
Life cover after a full 3 dose course
Very few. Temporary tenderness at the site of the injection
£62 per dose
Rabies is a viral infection usually spread by the saliva of infected animals. Human cases are usually due to dog bites but many animals can be infected, and a scratch or lick may be sufficient to transmit the disease. Rabies is fatal once symptoms begin.
Inactivated rabies virus particles
Travellers for more than one month to areas with rabies, unless there is reliable access to prompt, safe medical care, or who may be exposed to rabies because of their travel activities, or those who would have limited access to post-exposure medical care. Additional vaccine information: Even if vaccinated, travellers who have sustained an animal bite must obtain urgent medical advice.
Three doses at 0, 7 and 28 days.
1 month before travel
General issues: The single site, intradermal 0.1ml pre-exposure vaccine regimen should not be used in those taking chloroquine for malaria prophylaxis, as this suppresses the response. Specific issues: A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of rabies vaccine, or a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should only be given pre-exposure vaccination if the risk of exposure to rabies is high and rapid access to treatment would be limited.
10 years
Rabies vaccine may cause local reactions such as redness, swelling or pain at the site of injection within 24 to 48 hours of administration. Reactions such as headache, fever, muscle aches, vomiting and nettlerash are rare.
£87 per dose
Inactivated tick borne encephalitis virus.
Travellers particularly for spring and summer travel in warm, forested parts of the at risk areas. Individuals who hike, camp, hunt and undertake fieldwork in endemic forested areas should be vaccinated.
3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
3 months before travel
General issues: A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of TBE vaccine, one of the vaccine components or a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to egg ingestion.
There is no evidence of risk.
3 years
Reported reactions to TBE vaccine are rare. Local reactions such as swelling, pain and redness at the injection site may occur.
£70 per dose
BCG is a Live safe attenuated (weakened form) of Tuberculosis (TB)
BCG vaccination can be given safely to any person of any age, from new born through to old age. This is a once only vaccination in the UK and is highly recommended by the DH to specific groups at higher risk of exposure to TB.
BCG is a single once only injection given by specially trained nurses where there is evidence of a negative tuberculin skin test (mantoux)
3 months before travel
People who have had TB in the past and those with a positive mantoux skin test. This is a live vaccine therefore conditions such as HIV or cancer is contra-indicated. Many people with conditions however can successfully receive BCG with specific nurse management. Those who have received a live vaccination within the last 4 weeks eg MMR or Yellow Fever should delay BCG vaccination by one month. However live vaccines can be given together on the same day.
Although no adverse reports, it is best to avoid BCG in pregnancy. BCG is not contra-indicated in breast feeding therefore can be given after delivery.
25 years – life
A mild local reaction at the BCG injection site is typical. A small blister like response and local reaction is to be expected and this is evidence that the vaccination has been successful, leaving a characteristic small scar.
£70 per dose
Essential | Optional | |
---|---|---|
Vaccination | All travellers | When to get vaccinated |
Hepatitis A Vaccination | 2 weeks before travel | |
Combined Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccination | 2 weeks before travel | |
Hepatitis B Vaccination | 2 months before travel | |
Rabies Vaccination | 1 month before travel | |
Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccination | 3 months before travel | |
Tuberculosis (BCG) national shortage! Phone us to go on waiting list | 3 months before travel | |
Please note the above is a guide only. Every journey is unique and should be fully checked with our qualified pharmacists, or healthcare team, before you travel overseas. Disease can vary across a single country and vaccination requirements may differ by local area. Book a consultation with us now to establish the recommended vaccinations and medication for your chosen destination(s) |
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