Travel vaccinations are one of the most important parts of planning a trip abroad, especially to somewhere you’ve never been before. Certain countries require you to have specific vaccinations to enter, but they also keep you protected against serious diseases that are not common in the UK but are a genuine risk in many destinations. 

This travel vaccine guide covers everything you need to know about 2026 travel vaccinations. That includes which are recommended for each country, when to book and what to expect at your appointment at The Oakley Medical Practice in Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham. 

Are Travel Vaccines Really Necessary?

Yes, travel vaccinations are necessary because many serious infectious diseases that are rare in the UK remain widespread in other parts of the world. For example, someone travelling from the UK to parts of Asia or Africa could be exposed to illnesses such as typhoid or hepatitis A through contaminated food or water. Because most people in the UK are not routinely exposed to these diseases, they won’t have natural immunity, which is why vaccinations are recommended before travelling.

In some cases, travel vaccinations are also mandatory for entry into certain countries. A yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) is required by over 30 countries for entry, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Peru and Gabon. 

Your immune system has no defence against diseases it has never encountered, which means travelling without the right vaccines puts you at genuine risk.

What Are the Risks of Not Getting Travel Vaccines?

Not getting travel vaccinations risks contracting serious and preventable diseases. Typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis are all conditions that travellers can encounter in destinations across Asia, Africa, South America and beyond, and all are preventable with the right preparation.

The UK government advises all travellers to ensure they are up to date with routine NHS vaccinations before travelling and to seek advice on destination-specific vaccines 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Ideally, 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to allow full immunity to develop.

NHS vs Private Travel Vaccinations: What is the Difference?

The NHS do offer some travel vaccinations, but coverage is limited. The vaccines currently available free on the NHS for travel include the combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab), typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera. The majority of vaccines required for international travel, including yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, tuberculosis (TB) and the meningitis ACWY vaccine for Hajj, must be obtained privately.

At the Oakley Medical Practice, we are a MASTA-affiliated travel clinic and a NaTHNaC-approved Yellow Fever vaccination centre. This means you can get the latest country-specific guidance and vaccination recommendations through a consultation with our nurse. View our full travel vaccine service or contact us today to find out more. 

When Should You Book Your Travel Vaccinations?

You should book your travel vaccination appointment at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over several weeks, and your immune system needs time to build protection after each dose.

8 or more weeks before travel

Allows time for multi-dose courses such as rabies (3 doses), hepatitis B (3 doses over 6 months or accelerated) and Japanese encephalitis. 8 weeks give you time for immunity to develop fully.

6 weeks before travel

Still plenty of time for the most common vaccines, including typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, and meningitis. The minimum comfortable window for most itineraries.

2 to 4 weeks before travel

Still book your travel vaccines during this time frame. Single-dose vaccines such as typhoid and yellow fever can be administered within this window and will still provide protection. Some multi-dose courses can be accelerated.

Less than 2 weeks before travel

Do not delay further and come in as soon as possible. Many vaccines will still provide meaningful protection even close to departure. A consultation will clarify what can be done in the time available.

At The Oakley Medical Practice, there are no long waiting lists. You can book a travel vaccine consultation in Birmingham with our nurse easily. Any vaccines you need can also be administered during the same appointment.   

Which Travel Vaccines Are Most Commonly Recommended for International Travel?

The travel vaccines you need depend entirely on where you are going, how long you will be there, what you will be doing and your personal medical history.

Some travellers may face a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases than others. For example, you may be more at risk if you are:

  • Travelling to rural or remote areas
  • Backpacking between multiple destinations
  • Staying in hostels, camping or using basic accommodation
  • Taking a long-term trip rather than a short package holiday

Travel vaccination advice is especially important for people with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems, as they may be at greater risk of serious illness while travelling.

Hepatitis A and B. 

  • Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water and is one of the most common vaccine-preventable illnesses in travellers. 
  • The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for anyone with potential exposure to blood or body fluids, including through medical treatment abroad.

Typhoid 

  • Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation.
  • Recommended for travel across South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South America and Southeast Asia.

Yellow fever

  • Yellow fever is an infection spread by mosquitoes and is found in certain areas of Africa and South and Central America.

Rabies

  • Rabies is a fatal infection spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
  • The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting areas where rabies is common, particularly those spending time in rural areas, working with animals or planning longer stays. 
  • A three-dose course of the rabies vaccine is required.

Japanese encephalitis

  • Japanese encephalitis is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes. 

Cholera

  • Cholera is a diarrhoeal infection caused by food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
  • The cholera vaccine is recommended for travel to areas with active outbreaks and for those working in humanitarian settings or visiting areas with poor sanitation.

Tick-borne encephalitis

  • Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infectious disease transmitted primarily by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks, which are found in forested areas of Europe and Asia.
  • The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travel to forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, particularly for walkers, campers and outdoor workers.

Meningitis ACWY and Meningitis B

  • Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is required for travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, and is also recommended for travel to parts of Sub-Saharan Africa known as the meningitis belt.
  • The Meningitis B vaccine is recommended for travellers to countries with high rates of Meningitis B, especially those living in close quarters such as dormitories, hostels or camps. It is primarily advised for long-term travellers, students, and young adults.

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
  • The BCG vaccine is recommended for travellers spending extended periods in countries with high rates of TB, particularly in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Eastern Europe.
  • It is especially advised for those working in healthcare settings or living in close contact with local populations.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

  • Measles, mumps and rubella are highly contagious viral infections, especially for young children.
  • The MMR vaccine is recommended for travellers who have not been fully vaccinated, particularly when visiting countries with low vaccination rates or during outbreaks.
  • Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required for full protection.

Which Vaccines Do You Need By Destination?

The specific vaccines recommended for each trip depend on your destination country, the regions you will visit within it, and the activities you plan to do.

What travel vaccines do I need for South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)?

To travel to South Asia, it is recommended to have hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines before travelling. Japanese encephalitis is also recommended for travellers who are visiting rural areas. Cholera vaccination may be worth considering for certain regions within South Asia.

What travel vaccines do I need for South-East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia)?

To travel to Southeast Asia, it is recommended to have hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines. Japanese encephalitis vaccination is also recommended for travellers undertaking rural travel or planning longer stays in Southeast Asia.

What travel vaccines do I need for Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria)?

To travel to Sub-Saharan Africa, it is recommended to have yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, meningitis ACWY and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria prevention is also essential for travel to this region.

What travel vaccines do I need for South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador)?

To travel to South America, it is recommended to have yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some South American countries and regions.

What travel vaccines do I need for the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan)?

Travellers to the Middle East are recommended to have hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis ACW, and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines. The Meningitis ACWY vaccination is a mandatory requirement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.

What travel vaccines do I need for Central and Eastern Europe (Baltics, Czech Republic, Austria)?

Travellers to Central and Eastern Europe are recommended to have diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is also recommended for those planning outdoor activities in forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe.

What travel vaccines do I need for East Africa and the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia)?

To travel to East Africa and the Horn of Africa, it is recommended to have yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis ACWY, rabies and cholera vaccines. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to several countries across this region.

Book a travel vaccine consultation at The Oakley Medical Practice, where our nurse will review your vaccination history, destination and itinerary to make sure you’re fully protected before you fly.

Yellow Fever: Why Is It a Special Case?

Yellow fever is legally required for entry to certain countries. If you travel to a country that requires proof of yellow fever vaccination and you do not hold a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), you may be refused entry or placed in quarantine.

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas of Africa and South America. It can cause liver damage, kidney failure and internal bleeding. The vaccine is highly effective, providing protection that is considered lifelong for most people after a single dose.

  • The vaccine can only be administered at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
  • The Oakley Medical Practice is a NaTHNaC-approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
  • You will receive an official ICVP certificate immediately after vaccination.
  • Countries requiring proof include many in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.

To book your yellow fever vaccine and obtain your official certificate, contact The Oakley Medical Practice directly. As a NaTHNaC-approved centre, we are one of the few providers in the West Midlands authorised to administer this vaccine and issue certificates. 

Are Travel Vaccinations Safe for Children?

Yes. Most travel vaccines are safe for children, though some have minimum age requirements. Travel vaccinations for children are an important part of keeping the whole family safe on any international trip.

Young children are often more vulnerable to the consequences of travel-related illnesses than healthy adults. 

  • Children under one year may be given early MMR before travel to countries with active measles outbreaks. This early dose does not replace the standard scheduled doses at 12 and 18 months.
  • Most travel vaccines can be given from the age of two months onwards, with dosing adjusted for younger children.

At The Oakley Medical Practice, our doctors and nurses specialise in travel health for the whole family. If you’re planning a family holiday or an adventure abroad, we can see adults and children, reviewing each family member’s vaccination history and providing tailored vaccine advice for every age group.

What Happens at Your Travel Vaccination Appointment?

Your travel vaccination consultation at The Oakley Medical Practice is a personalised review of your trip and your health with our nurse. Here is what to expect:

What We Cover in Your Consultation

  • Your itinerary. Where you are going, how long you are staying, and the specific regions or environments you will visit (urban, rural, jungle or coastal)
  • Your activities. Adventure travel, wildlife encounters, volunteering, trekking and other activities significantly affect which vaccines are recommended.
  • Your medical history. Any chronic conditions, current medications, allergies or previous adverse reactions to vaccines.
  • Your vaccination records. What vaccines you have already had, what boosters may be due and what gaps need to be filled.

Travel vaccine consultations at The Oakley Medical Practice are £20. If you go ahead with any vaccines on the same day, this fee is deducted from the total cost. If no vaccines are required, the £20 covers your full assessment and personalised travel health advice.

Why Choose The Oakley Medical Practice for Travel Vaccinations?

The Oakley Medical Practice is a MASTA-affiliated travel vaccination clinic in Birmingham. MASTA, the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad, provides real-time country-specific guidance and outbreak data that forms the basis of every consultation we carry out.

  • MASTA-affiliated travel clinic with access to current country-specific vaccine requirements and outbreak alerts
  • NaTHNaC-approved Yellow Fever vaccination centre issuing official ICVP certificates
  • Doctor and nurse-led consultation
  • GMC and CQC-regulated GP practice
  • No waiting lists and flexible appointment times
  • Full range of travel vaccines available under one roof, including those not available on the NHS
  • Located in Sutton Coldfield, easily accessible from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands

Contact us today to book your travel vaccination appointment in Birmingham today, and our nurse will make sure you are protected throughout your journey.

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