Are NHS Travel Vaccinations Enough for Your Trip?

If you’re planning to travel abroad, sorting out your vaccinations is one of the most important steps for protecting your health. While many people turn to their GP for help, a common question we hear at Junction Pharmacy is: Are NHS travel vaccinations enough for my trip?

The answer depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what you’ll be doing. In this post, we’ll explain what the NHS covers, when additional protection may be required, and why many travellers choose to use private clinics like ours for faster access and a broader range of services.

What Vaccines Are Available on the NHS?

The NHS provides free travel vaccinations for certain diseases that pose a significant risk to public health. These typically include:

• –> Hepatitis A

• –> Typhoid

• –> Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (combined booster)

• –> Cholera (in specific high-risk cases only)

These vaccines are available from most GP practices, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and request them well in advance – ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip.

When NHS Travel Vaccinations Aren’t Enough

While the NHS does provide some core travel vaccines, it does not cover all the diseases you may be at risk of while travelling. The following vaccines are not funded by the NHS for travel purposes:

• –> Hepatitis B

• –> Rabies

• –> Japanese encephalitis

• –> Tick-borne encephalitis

• –> Yellow fever

• –> Meningitis ACWY (unless for pilgrimage or specific medical cases)

If you’re heading to areas where these diseases are a risk – such as parts of Asia, Africa, South America or Eastern Europe – you may need additional vaccines not available through your GP.

At Junction Pharmacy, we stock the full range of travel vaccines in London, including those not offered by the NHS. We also offer tailored travel consultations to help identify exactly what you need based on your destination, planned activities, and medical history.

Speed and Convenience of Private Travel Clinics

One of the main frustrations travellers face with NHS travel vaccinations is availability. GP surgeries are often overwhelmed and may not have the appointments or vaccines available in time – particularly for last-minute travellers or those with complex needs.

That’s where our private service comes in. At Junction Pharmacy, we offer:

• –> Same-week appointments, often available at short notice

• –> A complete vaccine offering, including rare and specialist options

• –> Longer consultation times with experienced clinicians

• –> Flexible opening hours to suit your schedule

• –> Digital and printed vaccination certificates, travel letters, and fit-for-travel documentation

So if your GP can’t fit you in, or doesn’t stock the vaccine you need, we can help you stay protected without delay.

What Else Might You Need Beyond Vaccines?

Being fully protected for travel isn’t just about jabs – other preventative measures may be required, depending on your destination:

Malaria Tablets

If you’re travelling to a malaria-endemic area, you’ll need antimalarial medication. These are not available on the NHS for travel purposes, but we can supply them directly after a brief consultation.

Altitude Sickness Advice

For high-altitude trips (e.g. Peru, Nepal), you may need preventative medication like acetazolamide and detailed advice on gradual acclimatisation. We offer tailored support for altitude travel.

Insect Bite Protection

While there’s no vaccine for diseases like Zika, or chikungunya, we can recommend repellents, mosquito nets, and bite-prevention strategies.

Traveller’s Diarrhoea Kits

We supply rehydration salts, loperamide, and emergency antibiotics where appropriate, depending on your destination and risk level.

Travel Health Certificates

Some destinations require proof of certain vaccinations (e.g. yellow fever), and we can provide these as part of your consultation.

Why Choose Junction Pharmacy?

As an independent, local provider of private travel health services, we’re here to offer more than just a quick jab. Our goal is to help you travel safely, confidently, and fully informed.

We’ll never recommend unnecessary vaccines, but we will ensure you’re fully covered according to the latest NHS, WHO, and country-specific travel guidelines.

Whether you’re travelling for leisure, business, or volunteering, we take the time to understand your plans and prepare you properly.

Book Your Travel Health Consultation Today

If you’ve left it late or want a more thorough service than your GP can offer, contact Junction Pharmacy today. We provide expert guidance, a full range of vaccines, and additional support to ensure you’re fit for travel – no matter where you’re heading.

Book online or call us to arrange your appointment and take the first step towards safe, stress-free travel.

This blog was written on behalf of Junction Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.