Know your jabs: Why you shouldn’t leave your travel vaccinations until the last minute

Whether on a jungle escape or a rural retreat, vaccines can make or break a trip. But knowing which jabs to get, and when, can be tricky.

Firstly, timing is crucial. Vaccinations can take time to become fully effective. For example, Hepatitis B – spread through blood or bodily fluids – requires three doses over six months. Accelerated courses exist, but the full version is the gold standard for immunisation. Others, such as typhoid, can be given closer to departure, but they still need at least two weeks to kick in.

One vaccination many overlook is yellow fever. Yet proof of immunisation is required for entry into many countries in South America and Africa, and the list is constantly evolving (see NHS Fit for Travel for up-to-date advice). South Africa even requires a yellow fever certificate for extended transit through the airport.

It’s worth noting that fewer travel vaccinations are being done in practice, mainly due to funds and staff time being prioritised elsewhere. In the UK, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and typhoid are available for free on the NHS; others are paid for, which can force travellers to weigh up the risks. Costs can vary (about £25–£85 per jab), so it’s smart to budget ahead to be fully covered.

Some jabs require infrequent boosters. Rabies, for example, is often perceived as a disease of the past, yet it is still highly prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa – even the USA still records around ten cases per year. Rabies requires a booster every one to two years, and while post-bite prophylaxis may save the life of anyone unvaccinated, if not caught by the time symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal.

Then there are the less well known vaccinations, such as for Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus found in Asia and the Pacific region that can cause brain inflammation and has a high fatality rate. The risk is low for short-term travel, but far greater if staying longer in affected areas.

Some destinations are hot spots. Meningitis is common in sub-Saharan Africa, where crowded places such as buses or markets increase risk. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to high-risk areas here (2–3 weeks before travel), especially during the dry season. As ever, it pays to plan ahead.

Read next: Why it’s important to take care of your eye health when you travel

5 tips to keep on top of your jabs

1. While yellow fever jabs afford lifelong immunity, others may require boosters if visiting high-risk areas. Rabies (1–2 years), tick-borne encephalitis and typhoid (both every 3 years) require top-up jabs if exposed for lengthy periods, while diphtheria, polio, cholera and tetanus may also need to be boosted, so it’s vital to keep track of your injection dates.

2. Post-jab, you may get a sore arm, or redness or slight swelling around the injection site. This should clear up, but to ease discomfort, try applying a cold compress or taking a standard painkiller like paracetamol.

3. It’s not unusual to feel off colour after typhoid and hepatitis jabs; these can leave you feeling tired or give you a mild fever. Rest and hydration will help with recovery.

4. Yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations can cause mild flu-like symptoms. While this might sound concerning, these reactions usually pass quickly.

5. If you experience severe swelling, a high fever or trouble breathing post-jab, seek immediate medical help.

Dr Marion Sloan is a GP at the Sloan Medical Centre in Sheffield

Vaccinations by numbers*

15% of those infected with yellow fever develop a severe form of the disease, with up to half of these cases resulting in death.

100,000 cases (approx) of Japanese encephalitis are diagnosed annually – 20 to 30% are fatal.

3 in 5 is the chance of contracting rabies after contact with a rabid animal

*Stats from National Library of Medicine, WHO and CDC

All content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional, and your destination’s local health authority, for up-to-date and destination-specific advice before taking action