When planning a holiday abroad, travel vaccinations are often one of the most searched and misunderstood topics. Instead of scrolling through pages of conflicting online advice, why not speak directly to your local pharmacist?
At Hodgson Pharmacy, our travel clinic in Longfield, near Dartford and Gravesend, offers expert support, ensuring you have everything you need to travel safely and confidently. In this Q&A-style guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions from real travellers straight from a pharmacist’s perspective.
Q1: Do I Need Vaccines to Travel to Europe?
Answer:
In general, most parts of Europe do not require additional travel vaccinations beyond what’s already covered in the UK childhood immunisation programme. However, there are some exceptions:
- Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE): Recommended for travellers heading to rural areas in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of Scandinavia during hiking or camping trips.
- Hepatitis A or B: Considered for longer stays or if you plan to visit less-developed areas in Eastern Europe.
While the risks may be lower compared to other continents, booking a travel consultation for tailored advice based on your destination and activities is always best.
Q2: What Happens During a Travel Health Consultation?
Answer:
A travel consultation at Hodgson Pharmacy is a straightforward and informative appointment designed to keep you safe abroad. Here’s what to expect:
- Personal Travel Assessment: We’ll discuss your travel destination(s), dates, length of stay, planned activities, and accommodation type.
- Medical Review: We consider your medical history, allergies, and current medications.
- Vaccination Plan: We’ll recommend the appropriate vaccinations based on official health guidelines.
- Additional Advice: We’ll cover non-vaccine-related health risks such as malaria prevention, insect bite avoidance, food and water safety, and altitude sickness.
- Travel Kit Essentials: We may recommend travel health items such as oral rehydration salts, insect repellents, or first-aid kits.
Appointments typically last 15–30 minutes, and many vaccines can be administered on the same day.
Q3: Are Travel Vaccines Safe for Children?
Answer:
Yes, travel vaccinations are generally safe and well-tolerated by children. In fact, ensuring your child is fully protected before travelling is essential, as children are often more vulnerable to infections.
Common child-friendly travel vaccines include:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (approved for children over 9 months)
- MMR (if not already completed in the UK schedule)
Our pharmacists at Hodgson Pharmacy can guide you on age-appropriate vaccines and offer gentle, caring administration tailored for younger patients.
Q4: How Far in Advance Should I Book My Travel Vaccinations?
Answer:
Ideally, you should book your travel consultation 6-8 weeks before departure. This allows enough time to:
- Complete multi-dose vaccine schedules (e.g. Hepatitis B or Rabies)
- Allow vaccines to take effect
- Begin any preventive treatments (like antimalarials) on schedule
However, if you’re travelling on short notice, don’t worry. We also provide last-minute travel vaccinations, and our team will prioritise what’s most urgent based on your destination.
Q5: What Are the Most Common Travel Vaccines and How Long Do They Last?
Answer:
Here’s a quick overview of common travel vaccines and their typical duration of protection:
| Vaccine | Validity | Price |
| Hepatitis A | 1 year (1 dose) / 10 years (2 doses) | £80 |
| Typhoid | 3 years | £50 |
| Cholera | 2 years (2 doses) | £50 |
| Yellow Fever | Lifetime | £100 |
| Rabies | 1 year (3 doses) | £100 per dose |
| Japanese Encephalitis | 1 year (2 doses) | £150 per dose |
| Meningitis ACWY | 5 years | £80 |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio | 10 years | £50 |
All these are available through our Longfield clinic near Dartford and Gravesend.
Q6: Do I Need Proof of Vaccination to Travel?
Answer:
Some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination, commonly known as a Yellow Fever certificate, as a condition of entry.
At Hodgson Pharmacy, we also provide:
- Yellow Fever Exemption Certificates (£40) for those medically unable to receive the vaccine
- Documentation and guidance for any other required travel health forms
Final Thoughts: Let a Pharmacist Take the Guesswork Out of Travel Health
Instead of spending hours researching conflicting advice online, visit Hodgson Pharmacy for a professional travel health consultation. We’ll guide you through exactly what you need, based on your health history, destination, and travel plans.With a Longfield clinic near Dartford and Gravesend, expert travel health advice is closer than you think. Book your appointment today and travel with peace of mind.