If you’re planning to travel outside of the UK, there’s every chance that you’ll need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.
The best way to be sure that you’ve taken all the right precautions before your trip is to talk to one of our experienced pharmacists.
Consultations are free and can be done in person at the hospital or over the phone.
Ideally this consultation should take place at least 8 weeks before you’re due to travel*, as you’ll need to book an appointment to get the vaccinations, some of which may need to be given well in advance.
*If you’re planning to travel sooner, your needs can be discussed with the pharmacist.
Subject to availability. Prices subject to change. Prices correct at the time of publication.
10% NHS Staff Discount Available.
Travel Vaccinations Available
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It is usually contracted via the stool of someone infected.
Areas where sanitation and food hygiene are poor is generally where the highest cases of Hepatitis A are found, including:
- Parts of Africa
- The Indian Subcontinents
- The Middle East
- Central and South America
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop around 4 weeks after becoming infected. These include;
Generally feeling unwell, feeling tired, high temperature, nausea and vomiting, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, upper-right side, dark urine and pale stools, Itchy skin and yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is possible to not have any symptoms and still have contracted Hepatitis A.
Vaccination
It is recommended that if you are travelling to a country with a risk of the disease that you get vaccinated. Our friendly Pharmacy team will advise you on the most suitable vaccination schedule for you. A booster is recommended after 6-12 months to provide protection for 25 years.
Price: Full course £114.00. Combined Hepatitis A & B Full Course – £234.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through blood and body fluids. This causes an infection of the liver In the UK hepatitis B is fairly uncommon, but there are countries that are considered high risk, including;
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- East and Southeast Asia
- Pacific Island
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms develop after being exposed to the virus and can last 2 – 3 months. In some cases, it can last for 6 months or more, this is classed as chronic hepatitis B. Symptoms include:
Flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin. It is possible to not have any symptoms and still have contracted Hepatitis B.
Vaccination
If you are travelling and could be at risk of catching hepatitis B then a course of vaccinations should be considered to help protect you. Our friendly Pharmacy team will advise you on the vaccination schedule.
Price: Full course £145. Combined Hepatitis A & B Full Course £234.
Typhoid Vaccination
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection and most commonly in parts of the world with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. It can affect the whole body, including many organs, and can be potentially fatal. The bacteria that causes the infection is known as Salmonella typhi and is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning. It can be contracted through consuming food or drink that’s contaminated with a small amount of infected faeces or urine. Most cases occur whilst visiting countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Signs and Symptoms
Typhoid symptoms include: High temperature, Stomach pain, Headache, Constipation or diarrhoea
Prevention
It’s important to practice safe food and water hygiene whilst following scrupulous hand hygiene measures. For example, only drink sealed bottled water or freshly boiled water, and where possible avoid any food that could be contaminated.
Vaccination
The typhoid vaccination can be administered as a single dose injection or orally by taking a short course of capsules. The vaccination protects against typhoid for three years, however it’s important to understand the vaccine isn’t 100% effective.
Price: £33.00
Diphtheria Vaccination
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin. It’s highly contagious and can spread via coughing, sneezing or sharing belongings with someone who has the infection, such as bedding or clothing. The infection is more common in Africa, South Asia and the former Soviet Union, where vaccinations aren’t widely available.
Signs and Symptoms
Diphtheria symptoms are: A thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat, high temperature or fever over 38°C or above, sore throat, difficulties breathing.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent against diphtheria is through vaccination.
Vaccination
In England it’s routine for children to be vaccinated against diphtheria. This is usually given in five doses, combined with other vaccines.
Price: Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio £33.00.
Tetanus Vaccination
Tetanus is caused by bacterial spores found in soil as well as animal manure although its rare can be toxic. The bacteria can enter the blood stream they multiply rapidly, releasing a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system, causing painful and serious symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Tetanus symptoms usually start around 10 days after infection. They include: a high, feverish temperature, stiffness in the jaw and neck, followed by the stomach and the rest of the body, severe muscle spasms that can affect breathing and swallowing, sweating and fast heartbeat
Treatment
If left untreated, tetanus symptoms can get worse over time and can also take months to go away. Treatment could range from antibiotics to specialist medication for muscle spasms and stiffness.
Prevention
The best way to protect against tetanus is the tetanus vaccine.
Vaccination
Most people have a series of tetanus injections and boosters during childhood but it’s possible (and sometimes necessary) to get them as an adult too. The vaccine is administered in five doses during childhood. Five doses of tetanus vaccine are considered to be enough to be protected for life but precautions need to be taken when travelling abroad as tetanus is found worldwide.
Price: Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio £33.00.
Polio Vaccination
Polio is a viral infection that spreads from person to person as a result of coming into contact with the faeces of someone with the infection, or the droplets when they cough or sneeze. It can also be passed on via contact with contaminated food or water. Polio is uncommon. High risk areas include: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, with a potential risk of infection in other parts of Africa and some Middle Eastern countries.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms three to 21 days after they’ve been infected. High temperature of 38°C or more, fever, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
There is currently no treatment available for polio.
Prevention
Polio is prevented via administration of the polio vaccine.
Vaccination
The vaccination for polio is offered as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, and is delivered by injection in five separate doses. These are normally given at the following ages:
- Eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age
- Three years and four months of age
- 14 years of age
If it’s been 10 years or more since your last vaccination, you are advised to have a booster Price: Booster vaccine: Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Price: Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio £33.00.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious viral brain infection caused by the spread through mosquito bite. The virus starts with a mosquito biting an infected pig or bird, then going on to bite a human, transmitting the disease. The virus is most common in South East Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Far East.
Signs and Symptoms
Japanese encephalitis doesn’t always present symptoms, but if they do occur they’re usually mild and flu-like. Symptoms include: High temperature (fever), seizures, stiff neck, confusion Inability to speak, uncontrollable shaking of body parts, muscle weakness or paralysis.
Treatment
The virus has no cure, however treatment can be given to aid the body as it fights off the infection including fluids, oxygen and medication.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is by means of vaccination. It’s also important to protect against being bitten by mosquitos. To help prevent bites, you should: Use mosquito nets, wear long sleeves and trousers that are loose-fitting, spray rooms with insecticide, wear insect repellent.
Vaccination
The vaccination, given as an injection, is administered in two doses for protection. The second dose can either be given 28 days after the first, or, for adults aged 18-65, seven days after the first (an ‘accelerated’ schedule). The two doses should be completed at least seven days before your departure. You should have a booster injection 12 to 24 months after the initial vaccination.
Price: £178.00
Meningitis ACWY (with certificate) Vaccination
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can result in meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, but can affect anyone and can be serious if not diagnosed and treated quickly. If left untreated can lead to septicemia (severe blood poisoning which can be fatal) and permanent brain or nerve damage. The bacteria are spread from person to person by close contact over a prolonged period of time. This can include kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils with a person carrying the bacteria. The bacteria of meningococcal disease is divided into five main groups (A, B, C, W and Y), with meningococcal B bacteria being the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
Signs and Symptoms
If travelling to a high risk area, be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis as they can develop very suddenly. They can include the following: High temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4F) or above, vomiting, headache, blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won’t always develop), stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness.
Treatment
If you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis, it’s a medical emergency. You should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Prevention
The best means of prevention is via administration of the meningitis ACWY vaccine.
Vaccination
The meningitis ACWY vaccination is given by a single injection into the upper arm and protects against four different types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, C, W and Y. It’s offered to teenagers as part of routine school vaccination programmes, and to university students under the age of 25 who missed the routine childhood vaccination. A booster dose is recommended after five years for those travelers who are at risk of the disease again.
Price: £50.00
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or through bodily fluids such as saliva coming into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. It’s most often associated with dogs, but is also common in cats, cattle, monkeys, foxes and bats. While it can occur on all continents (apart from Antarctica), it is most commonly found in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America.
Signs and Symptoms
High temperature, headache, feeling anxious or unwell, confusion, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hallucinations, muscle spasms, frothing at the mouth.
Treatment
It’s important to act quickly and seek urgent local medical attention.
Vaccination
According to UK guidelines pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended. A full course consists of three vaccinations administered on day zero, day seven and day 21-28. How long the rabies vaccination lasts depends on your exposure risk. A booster can typically be considered every 10 years if travelling to high risk areas.
Price: £180.00
Malaria Prevention Service
Malaria is a tropical disease that is spread through a bite of an infected mosquito. Anyone travelling to an area affected by malaria may be at risk. Malaria symptoms can appear at any time from within a week to a year after an initial bite and the infection can be fatal.
Signs and Symptoms
Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
Vaccination
During your initial consultation, we can provide advice on the most suitable malaria prevention medicine for you as well as how to take it safely to ensure you are protected.
Price: Malarone: £2.00 per tablet. For all other antimalarials tablets, please contact our Pharmacy team.