Travel Health – what to think about before going away

With summer holidays on the horizon, many of our patients are planning trips abroad and are asking about vaccinations and travel health planning. Below are some common questions we hear from patients preparing for trips abroad — whether for a short break or something more adventurous.

Do I need any travel vaccines for my destination?

Possibly, yes — depending on where you’re going, how long you’ll be away, and what kind of travel you’re planning. Some vaccines are recommended based on general health risks, while others are required for entry to certain countries.

Common travel vaccinations

We keep all the main travel vaccinations in stock. The following ones are commonly given:

• Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food or water.
• DTP (Diptheria Tetanus and Polio) booster – This is routine vaccination which everyone should have had but it is important to make sure you have a booster every 10 years.
• Typhoid – Particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. This needs a booster every 3 years.
• Hepatitis B – Especially if working in healthcare or travelling long-term.
• Meningitis ACWY – Sometimes required for travel to parts of Africa or for Hajj pilgrimage.
• Yellow Fever — for certain parts of Africa and South America. The Sloane Street Surgery is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, which means we can both administer the vaccine and provide the official certificate required for travel. This is now valid for life and does not require a booster.

Vaccinations for Remote or High-Risk Travel

• Cholera – For specific regions or humanitarian work
• Rabies – If travelling to remote areas, or working with animals
• Japanese Encephalitis – For rural travel in parts of Asia or the Pacific

What about my regular vaccines — do adults need boosters?

Yes, in some cases. Travel is a good opportunity to check whether you’re up to date on routine vaccines, especially:

• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio – Given as a combined booster every 10 years if needed)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) – The booster vaccine might be needed if you were born after 1970 and haven’t had two doses. With the current outbreaks of measles around the world, many of our patients are choosing to have a booster MMR vaccine or a blood test to check their antibody levels, followed by a booster if necessary.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis is sometimes missed in childhood, and is relevant for many travel destinations

It is a good idea to have a review of your and your family’s vaccine history to identify any missing or out-of-date doses, especially if you haven’t had a full adult immunisation check in the last 10 years.

Malaria prevention – Do I need tablets for my trip?

If you’re visiting a malaria-prone area, we would usually recommend antimalarial tablets. They are most effective when started 2 days before travel and continued for a week afterwards. Whether or not we advise you to take them will depend on various factors such as your exact destination, time of year, altitude and planned activities. Avoiding being bitten is just as important so make sure to take strong repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under mosquito nets if needed.

Travel health advice for high-altitude destinations

If you are planning to travel to high-altitude (typically above 2500m), it is important to be aware of how the reduced oxygen levels can affect your body. Some people may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, nausea, dizziness or fatigue, especially if they ascend too quickly. To avoid altitude sickness, try to ascend gradually, stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol. In some situations, we may advise medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent altitude sickness.

Travel vaccinations and health advice for children

Children may need additional vaccines, or different timings depending on their age and destination. A travel consultation can help clarify what is needed.

You might also want advice on travelling with babies and toddlers, how to cope with jet lag and disrupted sleep, best sun protection at different ages, managing travel sickness and preparing a travel medical kit.

What to include in a travel medical kit

• Small first aid kit
• Pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Travel sickness medication
• Antihistamines
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antiseptic cream
• Diarrhoea medications/rehydration salts

Depending on the length of travel and health risk, we can also put together some prescription medications that you might need while abroad. We can then do a remote consultation if needed to advise on what to take in the event of illness.

Remember to pack any regular medications in your hand luggage to avoid not having them on the other end if your bags are lost.

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Often yes, but it depends on your destination, stage of pregnancy, and overall health. The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is typically the most comfortable time to travel. Some vaccines are not safe in pregnancy (e.g. live vaccines), and areas with Zika virus or malaria may pose additional risks. It is not considered safe to take anti-malarial medication whilst pregnant.

Remember to check with the airline regarding any pregnancy restrictions and documentation they might need. Bring you maternity notes with you in case of any pregnancy complications while you are away. Check the options for maternity care and neonatal care at your destination and that your insurance covers it.  Pregnancy and travel are both risk factors for blood clots so don’t forget to wear compression stockings on the plane and move around regularly. Finally, make sure you discuss your travel plans with your obstetrician.

When should I book a travel health appointment?

Ideally, 6–8 weeks before your trip, especially for more complex itineraries or destinations with required vaccines.

Where can I check destination-specific advice online?

The TravelHealthPro website (from the UK government and NaTHNaC) offers up-to-date and reliable information: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

Fit for travel is another useful resource and has a helpful “malaria map”:  https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations

Book your travel vaccination appointment today

Make sure you’re fully prepared and protected. Book an appointment online here or call us on 0207 245 9333.

We’ll help you work out which vaccinations or medications you need based on your destination, travel plans, and personal health.

Article produced by Sloane Street Surgery, a private GP practice in London that provides world-class private healthcare for patients in Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, West London, Hampshire, and beyond.