Which vaccinations do I need to travel abroad?

You don't always need vaccinations to travel abroad. If you do, the recommended vaccinations will vary depending on:

• which country you're visiting and, in some cases, which part of the country
• the season or time of year when you'll be travelling (for example, the rainy season)
• whether you'll be staying in a rural area or an urban or developed area
• what you'll be doing during your stay, such as working in or visiting rural areas
• how long you'll be staying
• your age and health

Plan ahead

Get advice about vaccinations at least eight weeks before you're due to travel. If you do need new vaccinations, some jabs need to be given well in advance so that they can work properly.

You also need to make sure your existing vaccinations for the UK are up-to-date, such as polio and tetanus. If they're not, you can arrange booster jabs.

Where to get advice and information

See your GP or practice nurse for advice about travel vaccinations. They can also tell you about protecting yourself from malaria.

Alternatively, you can visit a local private travel vaccination clinic for your UK boosters and other travel jabs.

Read more detailed information about travel vaccinations, including those available on the NHS and those you have to pay for.

The NHS fitfortravel website has vaccination information for every country in the world.

The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) can help you find a yellow fever vaccination centre.

Read the answers to more questions about travel health.

Further information:

• Which travel vaccinations are free?
• About the NHS: access to healthcare abroad
• Malaria
• Travel health
• Travel immunisation