As we enter summer and more Brits look to head overseas for a holiday, travellers are being urged to consider the vaccinations required before leaving the UK. 

Certain countries have specific vaccination requirements in order to enter, with some even requiring proof of administration.

There is a wide range of travel vaccines available through the NHS including ones to protect against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.

So whether you are planning a sunbathing holiday or a lenghtier backpacking trip it is worth being prepared. 

East Lothian Courier: Check before travelling whether the country you are visiting requires and vaccines before entering.Check before travelling whether the country you are visiting requires and vaccines before entering. (Image: PA)

Dr Shreya Singhal, who is a Junior Doctor and Academic Foundation Trainee working in West London, through Gov.uk said: "Before you travel, it is vital to ensure you are up to date with your UK vaccination schedule, both for your protection and for the benefit of the health of those around you.

"Many countries have different diseases circulating and some of these could potentially be dangerous.

"It’s possible to pick up an illness that we don’t routinely see in the UK, and important to remember that some can have serious consequences for vulnerable people."

What vaccinations do you need before travelling overseas?

If possible, the NHS encourages travellers to see their GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before they're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance while others involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

Some overseas destinations have specific vaccinations that are required to enter the country, and some even require proof of vaccination. 

To see what vaccinations you need before travelling visit the NHS website. 

Travel vaccinations

These are the travel vaccinations available in the UK through the NHS:

Free travel vaccines

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

  • Polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Cholera

The NHS website says: "These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country."

Travel vaccines you have to pay for

You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Rabies
  • Tick-borne encephalitis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Yellow fever (only available from designated centres)

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

You may need COVID-19 vaccinations to travel abroad.

The NHS recommends checking the foreign travel advice on GOV.UK to find out the entry requirements of the country you're visiting.

Non-travel vaccines

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, the NHS says it is also a good time to make sure your other UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

Non-travel vaccines include:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Flu
  • Chickenpox

Other factors to consider before travelling

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

  • Your age and health
  • Working as an aid worker
  • Working in a medical setting
  • Contact with animals
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • If you have immune deficiencies 

For more details visit the NHS website or contact your local GP.

You can also get travel vaccines from select Boots stores across the UK.