Don’t forget to get travel vaccinations before you jet off this summer

Anyone who isn't sure what vaccinations are needed are being signposted to a GP or a local pharmacist. Please remember that you should leave two weeks before travel for long-haul destinations.  

Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Whether you're jetting off abroad or enjoying a staycation in 2026, checking your vaccinations are up to date is an important part of preparing for your trip. If you need travel vaccinations, contact your GP practice as early as possible, as some vaccines can take time to become fully effective.” 

She added: “Routine NHS vaccinations are just as important for those staying within the UK, helping to protect against serious illness and support healthy, independent lives. I encourage everyone to take a moment to check they are up to date and protected.” 

The common vaccinations to consider before going on holiday are:  

• Hepatitis A and B vaccine - recommended for many destinations, especially in East and Southeast Asia. 
• Japanese Encephalitis vaccine – to consider for travel to East and Southeast Asia. 
• Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine - important for travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).  
• Typhoid vaccine - recommended for travellers to Sri Lanka and other regions with outbreaks.  

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/available-travel-vaccines/ 

For those remaining in the UK, or as part of preparations for travel abroad, it is important to review routine vaccinations. Vaccines for MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox), polio, hepatitis, meningitis, and tetanus should be considered.  

Measles rates are currently rising across the country, which means individuals, and any dependants they may have, are advised to ensure they are protected with the relevant vaccinations before beginning a holiday. 

For dependents it is important to consider the following vaccinations:  

• 4-in-1 pre-school booster - protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.  
• 6-in-1 vaccine - protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria, and hepatitis B.  
• MenB vaccine - protects against Meningococcal group B. 
• MMRV vaccine - protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.  
• Pneumococcal vaccine - protects against pneumococcal disease (13 serotypes). 
• Rotavirus vaccine - protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis. 

For young people and adults, the following vaccinations are also available: 

• MMR vaccine - recommended for those who have not received two doses. 
• ​​​​​​​Td/IPV (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio) vaccine- booster doses are recommended for older children and adults. 
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine - The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), reducing the risk of cervical cancer and several other HPV-related cancers and diseases. 

For more information about vaccinations visit GOV.UK website.