Vaccination recommendations by region
Here’s a quick reference for popular destinations, but remember, this is general advice. Always double-check with your doctor for the most accurate info.
Complete Guide to Travel Vaccinations
Everything you need to know about staying healthy abroad
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Your guide to travel vaccinations
Booking a flight is exciting, right? But figuring out which vaccinations you need? Not so much.
We get it - it's not the fun part of planning your trip. But staying healthy while you travel is a big deal, and getting the right vaccines now means you can focus on the fun stuff later, like picking out your new travel shoes!
Whether you're off to Thailand for a beach getaway, trekking in rural India or visiting family in Brazil, different destinations come with different health risks. But don’t worry - a little planning now means you can relax and enjoy the adventure later.
What are travel vaccinations?
Travel vaccinations protect you against diseases that are common in certain parts of the world but rare or non-existent where you live. Since your body hasn’t built up immunity to these diseases, you’re more vulnerable when travelling.
Types of vaccinations 💉
- Routine vaccinations are the standard jabs you've likely had since childhood (like measles, mumps, tetanus, etc). You should be up to date with these regardless of where you're traveling.
- Travel-specific vaccinations are recommended or required based on where you're going. These might include yellow fever, typhoid or Japanese encephalitis, depending on your destination.
Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations before they’ll let you in, while others simply recommend them to keep you safe.
When to start planning for travel vaccinations
Timing is important when it comes to vaccinations, so plan ahead. If you’re in the UK, the NHS recommends booking at least 8 weeks before your trip. In the US, the CDC suggests 4 weeks, though the earlier, the better. And for Australian travellers, aim for 12 weeks ahead.
Why so much lead time? 🤔
Some vaccines require multiple doses spread out over weeks or months, while others need time to fully protect you. Plus, clinics (especially for vaccines like yellow fever) can be in high demand, so it's a good idea to book early!
If you're leaving sooner than that, don't panic. Get in touch with your doctor anyway. Some protection is better than none, and they can advise on the best course of action for your timeline.
How to work out which vaccines you need
Not every traveller needs the same vaccines - it all depends on a few factors:
- Where you're going - A hotel in Bangkok poses different risks than rural villages in Thailand.
- How long you're staying - A weekend city break has different needs than a 3-month backpacking trip.
- What you'll be doing - Volunteering in healthcare or working with animals? That creates a different exposure risk.
- Your health history - Your age, current health and past vaccinations matter.
- The season - Certain diseases are more common at specific times of year.
The best thing to do? Chat with a healthcare professional who specialises in travel medicine. They'll give you tailored advice based on your trip and health history.
You can also check trusted resources like NHS Inform, CDC travel health notices or Australia's Smart Traveller website for more info.
| Region | Standard Tourist Areas | Rural Areas or Extended Stays |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio | Add typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis depending on your plans |
| India and South Asia | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio | Add typhoid, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, rabies, Japanese encephalitis based on your itinerary |
| East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, polio | Add typhoid. May also need hepatitis B, tuberculosis, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis |
| Central and South America (Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Colombia) | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, yellow fever (required for many countries) | Add hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies as needed |
| Africa | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, typhoid, yellow fever (required for many countries), malaria prevention | Add meningitis (especially sub-Saharan Africa), hepatitis B, rabies, cholera, polio depending on destination |
| Middle East | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio (especially Afghanistan, Pakistan) | Add hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis depending on destination |
| Caribbean | Hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, typhoid | Malaria prevention needed for some islands (Haiti, Dominican Republic) |
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Common travel vaccines explained
Here's what each vaccine protects against and where you're most likely to need it.
Hepatitis A 🦠
- Vaccine names: Havrix, Vaqta, Avaxim
- What it is: A liver infection spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected people.
- Where you need it: Pretty much everywhere, but especially in countries with lower sanitation standards and throughout the tropics.
Hepatitis B 🦠
- Vaccine names: Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, Heplisav-B
- What it is: A more serious liver infection spread through blood and body fluids.
- Where you need it: Worldwide, but particularly important for Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the South Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Essential if you'll be working in healthcare, getting medical procedures, or staying long-term.
Typhoid 🦠
- Vaccine names: Typhim Vi, Vivotif (oral vaccine)
- What it is: A bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever and other serious symptoms.
- Where you need it: Present worldwide but much more common in South America, Central America, Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDaP) 🦠
- Vaccine names: Boostrix, Adacel, Revaxis
- What it is: Three separate bacterial infections. Tetanus enters through wounds, diphtheria affects the throat and airways, and pertussis is whooping cough.
- Where you need it: These are present everywhere, so keep up to date regardless of where you travel.
Yellow fever 🦠
- Vaccine names: YF-Vax, Stamaril
- What it is: A serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing fever, jaundice and potentially fatal complications.
- Where you need it: Tropical South America and Africa. Many countries in these regions require proof of vaccination for entry. You'll get an official certificate when vaccinated.
Rabies 🦠
- Vaccine names: Rabipur, Imovax Rabies, Verorab
- What it is: A deadly viral disease transmitted through animal bites, particularly dogs.
- Where you need it: South America, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Especially important if you'll be in rural areas, working with animals, or somewhere with limited access to post-exposure treatment.
Japanese encephalitis 🧠
- Vaccine names: Ixiaro, JE-Vax (less commonly used)
- What it is: A viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes. Rare in tourists but serious.
- Where you need it: Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly if you're spending extended time in rural areas in China, Nepal, Burma, India, Sri Lanka, northern Thailand, Laos or Vietnam.
Meningitis (ACWY) 🧠
- Vaccine names: Menveo, Nimenrix
- What it is: An infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
- Where you need it: Sub-Saharan Africa (the "meningitis belt") and parts of the Middle East. Required for religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.
Polio 🦠
- Vaccine names: IPOL
- What it is: A viral infection that can cause paralysis.
- Where you need it: Most travellers will already be vaccinated as children. Boosters may be needed for travel to Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, especially Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Cholera 🦠
- Vaccine names: Dukoral, Vaxchora, ShanChol
- What it is: A bacterial infection causing severe diarrhoea, spread through contaminated water.
- Where you need it: Rarely needed for most travellers. Primarily recommended for certain African countries (D.R. Congo, Egypt, Morocco) or if you're working in disaster relief or refugee settings.
Tick-borne encephalitis 🧠
- Vaccine names: Ticovac, FSME-Immun, Encepur
- What it is: A viral brain infection spread by tick bites.
- Where you need it: Parts of Europe (Russia, Austria, Hungary, the Balkans, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Scandinavia) and eastern China, especially if you'll be hiking or camping in forested areas.
Malaria 🦟
- Medication names: Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), doxycycline, Lariam (mefloquine), Mephaquin
- Not a vaccine but important: Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease. There's no vaccine, but you can take preventative medication. It's present in over 100 countries, particularly in Africa, South America, parts of the Caribbean (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and Asia.
Influenza 🤒
- Vaccine names: Various seasonal flu vaccines including Fluarix, Fluzone, Flucelvax
- What it is: The flu. It's easy to forget about, but catching it abroad can derail your trip.
- Where you need it: Everywhere. The flu season runs April to September in the Southern Hemisphere and October to May in the Northern Hemisphere. Risk increases in crowded settings like cruise ships or large tour groups.
Special circumstances and requirements
Some travel situations need extra consideration:
Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages ✨
Saudi Arabia has specific health requirements for religious pilgrims:
- Required: Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate to obtain your visa.
- Required if coming from certain countries: Yellow fever vaccination and certificate if you're travelling from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Strongly recommended: Seasonal flu vaccination, plus making sure you're up to date with measles, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and polio.
Long-term stays and volunteer work ⛑️
If you're living abroad for months or years, or working in healthcare, with children, or in rural communities, you'll likely need more extensive vaccination coverage. Discuss your specific situation with a travel medicine specialist.
Pregnancy 🤰🏻
Many vaccines are safe during pregnancy, but some aren't. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this is a crucial conversation to have with your doctor before booking.
Weakened immune system 🤒
If you have a condition that affects your immune system, or you're taking medications that suppress immunity, some vaccines may not be suitable. Your doctor can advise on safe alternatives and extra precautions.
Children and older adults 👶🏻
Vaccination recommendations vary by age. Some vaccines aren't suitable for young children, while older travellers may need additional protection or booster doses.
Where and how to get travel vaccinations
In the UK ✨
- Start with your GP surgery. They can provide some travel vaccines free on the NHS (like hepatitis A and typhoid), but you'll need to pay for others.
- For vaccines your GP doesn't offer, you can visit a private travel clinic. NaTHNaC provides a searchable database of registered yellow fever vaccination centres on their website.
- What to bring: Your vaccination records (including your NHS vaccination history), details of your travel plans, and information about any health conditions or medications.
In the US ✨
- Your first stop is usually your primary care doctor or a travel medicine clinic. Not all doctors stock travel vaccines, so call ahead to check availability.
- Yellow fever vaccines are only available at specific, registered clinics. The CDC maintains a list of authorised yellow fever vaccination centres on their website.
- What to bring: Your vaccination records, travel itinerary and insurance information (some vaccines may be covered).
In Australia ✨
- Book an appointment with your GP or a specialist travel medicine clinic. Like other countries, some vaccines are covered by Medicare or private health insurance, while others you'll pay for out of pocket.
- What to bring: Your immunisation history statement (available through MyGov), travel details and Medicare card.
In Canada and New Zealand ✨
- Similar to other countries, start with your family doctor or visit a travel health clinic. Some vaccines may be covered by provincial health plans or private insurance.
What to expect at your appointment
Your doctor will ask about your destination, trip length, accommodation type, planned activities and health history. They'll review your vaccination records and recommend what you need.
Some vaccines can be given on the spot. Others might require you to book follow-up appointments for additional doses.
You'll receive documentation of your vaccinations, and for some (like yellow fever), an official international certificate.
How much do travel vaccinations cost?
This varies widely depending on where you live and which vaccines you need.
- In the UK, some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS (like tetanus and polio boosters), while others cost between £30-£80 per dose. Yellow fever vaccination typically runs £60-£85.
- In the US, costs range from $50-$350+ per vaccine depending on the type. Some may be covered by health insurance, but many aren't. Always check with your insurance provider first.
- In Australia, some vaccines are covered by Medicare or the National Immunisation Program, but many travel-specific vaccines cost $60-$150 AUD per dose.
Make sure to ask about the total cost, including multiple doses if needed and any consultation fees.
Your next steps
Nobody wants to spend their pre-trip time thinking about needles and disease prevention. But a few appointments now mean you can actually relax on that beach or focus on your trek without worrying about whether that street food is going to ruin your holiday.
Travel vaccination requirements change, disease outbreaks happen and personal health situations vary. This guide is a starting point, not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Book an appointment with your doctor or a travel health specialist well before you fly. They'll look at your specific trip, your health history and current disease activity to give you personalised recommendations.
Then you can get back to the important decisions, like whether you really need three guidebooks or if two will do!
FAQs
How long before travel should I get vaccinated?
Start early. In the UK, the NHS recommends at least 8 weeks before departure. The US CDC suggests a minimum of 4 weeks, while Australian authorities recommend 12 weeks.
This lead time matters because some vaccines need multiple doses spread over weeks or months, and others take time to build full immunity.
If you're leaving sooner, contact your doctor anyway. They can advise on an accelerated schedule or prioritise the most critical vaccines for your destination.
Where can I get travel vaccinations?
- In the UK, start with your GP surgery or visit a private travel clinic.
- US travellers should contact their primary care doctor or a travel medicine specialist.
- Australians can book with their GP or a travel health clinic.
Not all clinics stock every vaccine, so call ahead to check availability. Yellow fever vaccines are only available at specific registered centres.
Check your country's health department website for a list of approved vaccination centres near you.
How much do travel vaccinations cost?
Costs vary widely by location and vaccine type.
- In the UK, some vaccines are free on the NHS while others cost £30-£80 per dose.
- US prices range from $50-$350+ per vaccine, with limited insurance coverage.
- In Australia, some vaccines are covered by Medicare, but many travel-specific ones cost $60-$150 AUD per dose.
Ask about the total cost including multiple doses if needed, consultation fees and vaccination certificates.
How long do travel vaccines last?
It depends on the vaccine. Some provide lifelong immunity after a full course, while others need boosters every few years or annually.
- Tetanus boosters are typically needed every 10 years.
- Yellow fever protection lasts a lifetime for most people.
- Typhoid needs a booster every 2-3 years.
Your doctor will explain the timeline for each vaccine you receive and let you know when you'll need top-ups to maintain protection.
Can I get multiple vaccines at once?
Yes, usually. Your doctor can often give several vaccines in the same appointment, spreading them across different arms to minimise soreness. This is safe and means fewer visits.
However, some combinations aren't recommended, and your doctor might suggest spacing certain vaccines apart.
If you need several vaccines and are short on time, your doctor will prioritise the most important ones first and create a schedule that works for your departure date.
What if I've lost my vaccination records?
Don't panic! Your doctor may be able to access your records through national health databases or previous medical files. For some diseases, they can do a blood test to check your immunity levels.
If records can't be found and testing isn't available, your doctor might recommend repeating certain vaccines to ensure you're protected. It's not harmful to get an extra dose of most vaccines if you're unsure about your history.
What are the side effects of travel vaccines?
Most people experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, tiredness, headache, or a slight fever lasting a day or two. These are normal signs your immune system is responding. Serious side effects are rare. Some vaccines cause more noticeable reactions than others.
Your doctor will explain what to expect for each vaccine and advise on managing any discomfort. Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or high fever.
Do I need vaccines if I've visited this country before?
Possibly. It depends on several factors including how long ago you visited, which vaccines you received previously, whether boosters are due, and if you're planning different activities this time.
Previous travel to cities doesn't necessarily protect you for rural areas. Disease patterns also change over time. Bring your old vaccination records to your appointment so your doctor can assess what protection you still have and what additional vaccines you might need.
What if I'm pregnant or have a medical condition?
Tell your doctor immediately. Many vaccines are safe during pregnancy, but some aren't recommended. If you have conditions affecting your immune system, take immunosuppressive medications, or have severe allergies, certain vaccines may not be suitable.
Your doctor can suggest safe alternatives, extra precautions or recommend postponing travel if necessary. Never skip this conversation. Your safety and your baby's health come first, even if it means adjusting travel plans.
Why are some vaccines required and others just recommended?
Required vaccines are mandated by destination countries for entry, usually to prevent disease spread across borders. Yellow fever is the most common example. You'll need an official certificate to enter certain countries.
Recommended vaccines aren't legally required but protect your health against diseases common in that region. While you can technically enter without them, you're taking a risk. Your doctor considers both required and recommended vaccines when planning your protection.