Travel health: vaccines, destination checks and pre-travel consultations

Why pre-travel health matters

Travellers from Esher, Hinchley Wood and the surrounding Surrey area increasingly head to destinations where illnesses like typhoid, hepatitis A and malaria are common. Many of these are preventable — but the vaccines and medications need time to work. Ideally, book a consultation at least 6–8 weeks before departure, though last-minute advice is still worthwhile if your trip is sooner.

Common travel vaccinations

Which vaccines you actually need depends on your destination, the type of trip and your existing immunity. The list below is a starting point — the pharmacist will confirm what's right for you at your appointment.

• Hepatitis A

  Contaminated food and water — recommended for most travellers outside western Europe, North America and Australasia.

• Typhoid

  South Asia, parts of Africa and South America. Consider if staying with friends/family or eating outside main tourist areas.

• Yellow Fever

  Required for entry to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Must be given at a registered Yellow Fever centre.

• Hepatitis B

  Long stays, medical work, or any risk of unscreened medical/dental care, tattoos or piercings abroad.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio

  A booster is often due if your last dose was over 10 years ago — worth checking before any trip.

• Rabies

  Recommended for remote travel, long stays, or activities with animal contact. Post-exposure care is far simpler with pre-travel doses.

• Meningitis ACWY

  Required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and recommended for parts of Africa's meningitis belt.

• Japanese Encephalitis

  Rural Asia during transmission season, especially long or repeated trips.

• Cholera

  Considered for aid workers or travel to active outbreak areas with limited access to safe water.

How to check destination-specific requirements

Requirements change frequently — from country entry rules to malaria zones and outbreak alerts. Before you travel, cross-check two or three trusted sources:

• TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) — the NHS-endorsed source for country-by-country advice on vaccines, malaria and current health alerts.
• gov.uk foreign travel advice — entry rules, safety and health notices per country.
• Fit for Travel (NHS Scotland) — free destination guides covering vaccines, food and water precautions and altitude.

Bring your itinerary — including any stopovers, rural areas, activities like hiking or diving, and how long you'll be away — to your consultation so we can tailor advice to the actual trip.

Malaria: not just a vaccine question

There is currently no widely available travel vaccine for malaria. Prevention relies on antimalarial tablets, bite avoidance (repellents containing DEET, long sleeves at dusk, treated mosquito nets) and knowing the symptoms so you can seek care quickly. The right tablet depends on your destination, medical history and other medications — this is one of the most common reasons people book a travel consultation with us.

Beyond vaccines: the rest of your travel kit

• Travellers' diarrhoea plan — oral rehydration sachets and, for some destinations, a standby antibiotic.
• Sun protection, insect repellent and, where relevant, altitude sickness advice.
• A copy of your prescriptions and enough medication for the trip plus a few extra days.
• Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and any planned activities.

This guide is general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please book a consultation so we can review your itinerary and medical history.