Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Excitement, anticipation and relaxation are often feelings that come when planning an upcoming holiday or excursion. But, especially if you’re heading abroad, there are some things you must think about and organise before travelling to ensure you’re safe and covered in the emergency of changing plans.
As well as travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, one of the other things you need to consider is whether you need to get vaccines when travelling to your chosen location. Vaccines are something that can often be overlooked when travelling, but they are an essential part of travel preparation that will keep you safe and offer you peace of mind. In this guide, we take you through all the vaccines and jabs you will need, broken out into continents, so you can easily find the information you need.
Why is it Important to get Vaccines Before you Travel?
When you’re travelling to new countries, you’re potentially exposing yourself to diseases and germs that you wouldn’t experience here in the UK, especially if you’re travelling to locations that have a lower quality of living or where poverty is commonplace.
To protect yourself against any unwanted infections and diseases, the NHS advises you to get the necessary vaccines to keep you safe. This is especially important for those with a weaker immune system or those who have underlying medical conditions, who might also be required to get more vaccines than those with stronger immune systems.
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to Africa?
Africa is a vast continent that spans more than 30.37 million km² and is home to 54 countries. There are lots of recommendations on the vaccines you should get before travelling to Africa.
Required vaccines to have when travelling to Africa:
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
- Polio – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to Africa (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Cholera – 6 weeks before travel
- Hepatitis B – 3 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Meningitis – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
- Yellow Fever – 10 days before travel, 1 dose
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to Asia?
Asia is a vast continent and is home to the most densely populated countries in the world. Temples, bustling cities, dense wilderness and immersive cultures can be seen all around, and it is no wonder millions flock to enjoy its splendour every year.
However, water quality can often be found in parts of Asia, so vaccines are often required to ensure you are protected from diseases that can be carried in water or are more commonplace in locations with harsher living conditions.
Required vaccines to have when travelling to Asia:
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to Asia (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Cholera – 6 weeks before travel, 2 doses
- Hepatitis B – 3 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Japanese Encephalitis – 3 months before travel, 2 doses
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Polio – Anytime before travel, 1 dose
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Tick Borne Encephalitis – 3 months before travel, 2 doses
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
- Yellow Fever – 10 days before travel, 1 dose
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to Australasia and The Pacific?
Australasia and the Pacific cover Australia, New Zealand and many of the smaller islands that are located in the Pacific. Home to some of the world's most wonderful habitats, wilderness, and animal species, these locations are awe-inspiring.
For those visiting Australasia and the Pacific, there are no vaccines that are essential and need to be proved before being allowed to enter the country, but there is a selection of vaccines that are recommended for those with weaker immune systems.
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to Australasia and The Pacific (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Cholera – 6 weeks before travel, 2 doses
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis B – 3 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Japanese Encephalitis – 3 months before travel, 2 doses
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
- Yellow Fever – 10 days before travel, 1 dose
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to Europe?
Europe, the epicentre of history, culture and languages, is a common choice for those looking to enjoy a short-haul holiday without much travelling. Travelling in Europe is relatively safe, and there are no vaccines required to visit, but as with any location, there is a selection of vaccines that are recommended to those looking to travel here, especially those with underlying health conditions.
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to Europe (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis B – 3 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Polio – Any time before travel, 1 dose
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis – 3 months before travel, 2 doses
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to North & Central America & the Caribbean?
Looking to head to the likes of the USA, Canada, Costa Rica or Jamaica? Then you’ll need to consider the sorts of vaccines required for these popular locations, although there are none that are mandatory, just recommended.
North and Central America are popular tourist locations all year round, and the Caribbean is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines and breathtaking views, so a holiday to any of these locations is a must.
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to North & Central America & Caribbean (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Cholera – 6 weeks before travel, 2 doses
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis B – 3 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
- Yellow Fever – 10 days before travel, 1 dose
What Vaccines Do You Need When Travelling to South America?
South America is home to enlightening locations like Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile and is often a top choice for those looking to explore different cultures far from the comfort of Europe and is also a popular choice for those looking to do a bit of long-term travelling.
When travelling to South America, some vaccines are required for all travellers, and some are recommended vaccines.
Required vaccines to have when travelling to South America:
- Tetanus – any time before travel, 1 dose
- Hepatitis A – 2 weeks before travel, 1 dose
Recommended vaccines to have when travelling to South America (especially for those with underlying health conditions):
- Cholera – 6 weeks before travel, 2 doses
- Diphtheria – any time before travel, 1 dose
- MMR – 1 month before travel, 2 doses
- Rabies – 4 weeks before travel, 3 doses
- Typhoid – any time before travel, 2 doses
- Yellow Fever – 10 days before travel, 1 dose
Do I Need a Covid Vaccine to Travel?
It was commonplace in recent years that you needed to be fully vaccinated or have a negative covid test to be able to travel abroad, but as things have slightly calmed down in terms of the spread of Coronavirus, the rules have altered slightly. Those who are fully vaccinated will be able to travel to any country, but depending on the country you are visiting, you may still be asked to provide a negative test result. For those who haven’t had any vaccines, it is suggested that you check the entry requirements for the country you are planning to visit to avoid disappointment. Gov.uk will offer you all the necessary information and list the entry requirements for each country so you can check before travelling.
If you’re looking to travel abroad next year, then it is worth looking into the sort of vaccines you will need to enter the country and planning in advance if you need to get any. For more travel inspiration and useful guides, make sure you check out our blog.