Which Travel Vaccines Can I Get On NHS?

Planning an international trip comes with a lot of excitement—and quite a few to-dos. From booking flights to sorting out your visa and even managing your finances, there’s a lot to juggle. But one thing that often gets overlooked until the last minute is travel vaccinations.

Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, exploring the backstreets of Southeast Asia, or traveling for business in a high-risk region, staying healthy should be a top priority. And the good news? Some of the most essential travel vaccines are available for free on the NHS.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what travel vaccinations you can get on the NHS, why they matter, and how you can make the process of preparing for travel less stressful.

We’ll also show you how TRAVUL.ORG is working to simplify this entire experience, from planning your trip to staying safe while you’re abroad.

Why Travel Vaccines Matter

When traveling abroad, you’re exposed to different climates, hygiene standards, and diseases your immune system might not be used to. Vaccinations help protect you against serious illnesses that are more common in certain countries, such as:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Japanese encephalitis
• Cholera

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about personal safety—it also helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases across borders. It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect both yourself and others.

Which Travel Vaccines Are Free on the NHS?

Not all travel vaccinations are covered by the NHS, but the ones that pose a higher public health risk are typically available for free through your GP practice.

As of the latest NHS guidance, here are the vaccines you can usually get without charge:

1. Hepatitis A

Protects against a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is transmitted through contaminated food or water. This is particularly important if you’re visiting countries with poor sanitation.

2. Typhoid

Another food- and water-borne illness, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications if untreated. Vaccination is recommended for many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

3. Cholera (in some cases)

The oral cholera vaccine is generally only offered to people traveling to areas where there’s a high risk of an outbreak and where access to clean water is limited.

4. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio (Td/IPV)

Although this isn’t considered a travel vaccine per se, it’s important to ensure you’re up to date with this combined booster, which may be required depending on your destination.

For the official NHS page on travel vaccinations, click here

What Travel Vaccines Are Not Covered by the NHS?

Some travel vaccines are not available for free because they’re not seen as a high public health risk for UK residents. These will usually require a private appointment and an out-of-pocket cost.

Here are a few examples:

• Yellow Fever
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B (when not part of a combined vaccine)
• Meningitis ACWY (unless for Hajj or Umrah)
• Tick-borne Encephalitis
• Tuberculosis (for certain countries)

The cost for private travel vaccines can vary widely depending on your location, the provider, and the number of doses required. Some can cost upwards of £60–£100 per dose.

How Far in Advance Should You Get Vaccinated?

It’s best to see your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over several weeks, and it takes time for your body to build up immunity.

Booking early also gives you a buffer to sort out any private vaccines or paperwork (like vaccination certificates) you might need.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes Travel Health Easier

Let’s be honest: juggling travel vaccinations, visa requirements, budgeting, and itinerary planning across different websites and services can be frustrating.

That’s exactly what we’re working to change at TRAVUL.ORG.

We’re building a single platform where you can plan your trip, finance it, get visa support, and access personalized travel advice—all in one place. Imagine being able to:

• Get travel vaccine reminders based on your destination
• See which vaccines are free on the NHS and which require a private clinic
• Find nearby NHS and private travel clinics
• Store digital copies of your vaccination records for easy access

All of this is part of our upcoming MVP (Minimum Viable Product), which is designed to reduce friction, simplify your travel experience, and give you peace of mind before you board that flight.

FAQs

Can I walk into my GP surgery and get travel vaccines?

No. You’ll need to book an appointment in advance. Not all GP surgeries offer travel vaccines, so they may refer you to a travel clinic.

Do I need travel insurance even if I’m vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccines prevent specific diseases, but travel insurance covers broader health issues, accidents, cancellations, or theft. It’s essential regardless of your vaccination status.

Are children eligible for NHS travel vaccines?

Yes, if the child meets the same risk and travel criteria. However, dose schedules may vary, so check with your GP.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

If your destination requires it (some countries do), you’ll need to go to a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. This vaccine is not available on the NHS and must be paid for privately.

What if I can’t afford private vaccines?

Some local councils or community health organizations offer subsidized rates. It’s also worth checking with your travel insurance or employer if travel is work-related.

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are a crucial part of preparing for safe international travel—but understanding which ones you need and where to get them doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At TRAVUL.ORG, we’re building tools to make your travel experience smoother from start to finish. Whether you’re budgeting for your trip, sorting out visas, or checking off your vaccination checklist, we’ve got you covered in one secure and user-friendly space.

Ready to start planning your next adventure the easy way?

Which vaccines do you need for your next trip—and how can we help you get them faster?