Travel vaccines

You may need vaccinations against serious diseases found elsewhere in the world if you plan to travel outside the EU and Malta while you are in the country.

Vaccines against hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and yellow fever are currently available in the country.

When should I begin considering the vaccines I require?

If possible, arrange an appointment at least eight weeks before your departure with your primary care practitioner or a private travel clinic.

Certain vaccines must be given months in advance to build immunity.

In addition, some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months before they are effective.

If you have any of the following characteristics, you may be more susceptible to certain diseases:

on a long journey rather than a package vacation
hostels or camping
Backpacking
Rural travel

If you already have health problems, you may be more susceptible to infections or health problems from a travel-related sickness.

Which travel vaccinations am I required to have?

Some countries require the documented proof of immunization (against yellow fever or polio) before entry or departure. The vaccination or prophylaxis must be recorded on an ICVP (international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis).

Visitors to Saudi Arabia must demonstrate evidence of vaccination against several types of meningitis when entering the country for the Hajj and Umrah.

Even if you are not required to bring an ICVP, Bringing a record of your vaccinations is a good idea.

Where can I obtain travel vaccinations?

To start, contact or visit us at Potters Pharmacy primary to see if your current immunizations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of previous vaccinations, please inform your primary care physician.

pharmacy that provides travel-related healthcare services
private vaccination clinic for travel

Your primary health care provider or nurse can offer you general travel vaccination and health advice, such as malaria prevention when traveling internationally.

If you have missed any doses of your Malta vaccines, they can provide you with replacements if necessary.

All travel vaccinations, even those recommended for a specific region, are not covered by the government

Which travel vaccinations will I be responsible for?

You must pay for travel vaccinations against the following:

Yellow fever
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tick-borne encephalitis
Rabies
Meningitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis
Hepatitis B
holera
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Polio (polio jab/tetanus/diphtheria)

When it comes to yellow fever vaccination, only specially designated vaccination centers have yellow fever vaccine in the United States.

A non-NHS travel vaccine’s cost is determined by the type of vaccine used and the number of doses administered.

This is something to keep in mind when creating a budget for your vacation expenses.

Additional factors to consider

Consider the following additional factors when planning your travel vaccinations schedules:

Contact with animals – You may be more susceptible to contracting diseases transmitted by animals, such as rabies.
Working in a medical setting – Additional vaccinations may be required by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare workers.
Working as an aid worker – In working in a refugee camp or assisting in the aftermath of a natural disaster, it is possible to contract other diseases.
Your age and health – Individuals with certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to infection than others, and some vaccines are not recommended for those with these conditions.

In most cases, vaccinations are not required if you are only traveling to Australia, North America, or northern and central Europe. In some instances, vaccinations may be necessary if you are traveling to Africa.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you have any of the following conditions, you should consult your doctor before receiving any vaccinations:

Breastfeeding
Pregnant
you believe you may be pregnant

Most of the time, a vaccine administered during pregnancy or breastfeeding will not pose a risk to the developing baby.

This is something that your primary care physician can help you with, however.

Individuals who suffer from immune deficiencies

Some travelers may not require specific vaccinations against certain diseases.

As an example, suppose the following happens:

The disease HIV or AIDS affects one’s immune system, and if you have an immune system disorder.
While undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, such as chemotherapy, your immune system becomes suppressed.
In the last few months, you have undergone bone marrow or organ transplantation.

In this case, a physician can provide additional assistance.

Vaccinations that are not required for travel

Apart from the opportunity to obtain any necessary travel vaccinations, this is an excellent time to ensure that All other UK vaccines, including booster shots if required, are up to date.