When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you're:

• travelling in rural areas
• backpacking
• staying in hostels or camping
• on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

• Travel Health Pro
• NHS Fit for Travel

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

We are unable to offer advice regarding travel however we can provide the following NHS Vaccines

• polio(given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus jab)
• typhoid
• hepatitis A
• cholera (not needed by most travellers but may be advised if you are travelling to a high-risk area)

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

Please be aware that we have to order the NHS free vaccines,  on occasions  vaccines are not available due to  national shortages in the supply chain

You can request a printout of your vaccination history from your online clinical records (please allow 48 hours before collecting). Please use our online form Contact us about your request (accurx.com)

Local private providers offering advice and vaccinations:

1. Plymouth MASTA Travel Clinic  www.masta.org
2. Lisson Grove Medical Centre       Plymouth   01752 205556
3. City Doc citydoc.org.uk  Ivybridge 02037946697       

Please remember to leave enough time to have your immunisations prior to travelling - at least three months is advisable