Your Local Travel Clinic in London
Eltham Pharmacy Travel Clinic is a vital healthcare resource, serving the local community and travellers alike. As part of Eltham Pharmacy, our Travel Clinic specialises in offering comprehensive travel health services, making it an essential stop for anyone planning to journey abroad. Whether you’re embarking on a business trip, a family vacation, or an adventurous expedition, the clinic ensures that you are well-prepared and protected against the health risks associated with international travel. Reach out on 020 8850 1944 or elthamchemist@gmail.com, or book today.
Why Are Travel Vaccinations Important?
Travel vaccinations are essential because they protect individuals from potentially life-threatening diseases that are prevalent in specific regions but uncommon in their home countries. These vaccinations prevent travellers from contracting and spreading infectious diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis. In some cases, these illnesses can be very severe or even fatal.
Getting vaccinated before you travel offers several important protections:
- Builds immunity against diseases that are rare or absent in the UK but common at your destination
- Reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, or death from preventable infections
- Helps prevent the introduction of diseases into the UK upon your return, safeguarding wider public health
- Ensures compliance with international health regulations, some destinations require proof of vaccination for entry
- Reduces the burden on local healthcare systems at your destination, particularly in resource-limited settings
- Allows for a safer, more relaxed travel experience, with fewer health-related interruptions to your trip
How Do Travel Vaccines Work?
Travel vaccines work in very similar ways to each other, and there are many different types that provide immunity against a variety of diseases. Essentially, you’re injected with a solution that mimics the invading pathogen of the disease. This stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies designed to fight off the specific infection. If you’re ever exposed to the bacteria or virus in future, your immune system will recognise and neutralise it before serious harm can be done.
A few practical points worth knowing:
- Ideally, you should get vaccinated at least 21 days before you travel to your destination
- Some vaccines, such as rabies, require a longer lead time due to a multi-dose schedule
- This lead time allows your body to produce the full range of antibodies needed for maximum protection
- Booking early also allows time to space out multiple vaccines if you need more than one
For general background on recommended timings and destination-specific advice, the TravelHealthPro website, run by the UK Health Security Agency, is a useful reference point alongside your consultation with us.
What Other Services Does the Travel Clinic Offer?
In addition to vaccinations, our travel clinic offers a range of other essential services to ensure safe and healthy travel, including:
- Personalised travel health consultations, with tailored advice on managing pre-existing medical conditions while abroad
- Guidance on food and water safety at your destination
- Advice on avoiding insect-borne diseases, including appropriate repellents and bite-avoidance measures
- Prescriptions for malaria prevention tablets, matched to your destination and travel dates
- Advice on altitude sickness for travellers heading to high-altitude regions
- Recommendations for assembling a travel medical kit suited to your trip
- Post-travel health check-ups, for anyone experiencing symptoms or concerns after returning home
A Guide to Our Travel Vaccines
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to these regions, particularly if visiting rural areas or staying for extended periods.
Cholera Vaccine
Cholera is a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, spread through contaminated water and food. The oral vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with poor sanitation or those working in healthcare or humanitarian settings in affected regions.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Pre-travel vaccination is recommended for those visiting remote areas, staying for long periods, or planning activities that increase contact with animals.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It’s one of the most commonly recommended travel vaccines, suitable for most destinations outside of Western Europe, North America, and Australasia.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Vaccination is often recommended for longer stays, travellers who may require medical or dental treatment abroad, or those working in healthcare settings.
Hepatitis A+B Combination Vaccine
For travellers who need protection against both hepatitis A and B, a combined vaccine is available, reducing the number of appointments and injections needed to complete your protection.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
This viral infection is spread through tick bites in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly forested and rural areas. Vaccination is recommended for hikers, campers, and those spending significant time outdoors in affected regions.
Malaria Prevention (Tablets)
Malaria is a serious, potentially fatal disease spread by mosquito bites, present across large parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. We offer a choice of antimalarial tablets suited to your destination, medical history, and length of stay.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. It’s also one of the few vaccines that can be a legal entry requirement for certain countries, and proof of vaccination is recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination. Visit our dedicated yellow fever vaccine page for more detail on eligibility and certification.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
This viral infection is spread by mosquitoes, mainly in rural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific. Vaccination is generally recommended for longer stays, repeated visits, or travel to rural areas during peak transmission seasons.
DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Poliomyelitis)
This combined vaccine protects against three serious bacterial and viral diseases. It’s recommended for travellers whose UK vaccination schedule is out of date, or where a booster is due before visiting certain destinations.
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
Measles in particular remains common in many parts of the world. We recommend checking your MMR status before travelling, especially if you’re unsure whether you completed both doses in childhood.
Meningococcal ACWY (Hajj) Vaccine
This vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal disease and is a mandatory entry requirement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, as well as being recommended for travel to parts of the African meningitis belt.
What Happens if I Travel Without Being Vaccinated?
The table below gives a general picture of the difference vaccination can make. It’s a simplified overview, and your personal risk always depends on your destination, itinerary, and individual health, which is exactly what your travel consultation is for.
| Disease | Without Vaccination | With Vaccination |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Risk of severe bacterial infection, high fever, and potential complications if untreated | Significantly reduced risk of infection and severity of illness |
| Rabies | Near-certain fatality once symptoms develop, with limited treatment window after exposure | Additional time to seek post-exposure treatment, and reduced number of doses needed if bitten |
| Yellow Fever | Risk of severe illness, and may be refused entry to countries requiring proof of vaccination | Strong, long-lasting protection and compliance with entry requirements |
| Hepatitis A | Risk of liver infection, fatigue, and prolonged recovery time | High level of protection against infection |
| Malaria | Risk of serious, potentially fatal illness with no vaccine available for most travellers, prevention relies on tablets and bite avoidance | Significantly reduced risk when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly, alongside bite avoidance |
| Meningococcal Disease | Risk of serious, fast-progressing illness, and may be refused Hajj/Umrah entry without proof of vaccination | Reduced risk of infection and compliance with entry requirements |
Vaccine Prices
| Vaccine/Treatment | Adult Pricing | Children’s Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid Vaccine | £35 | £35 |
| Cholera Vaccine | £50 | £45 |
| Rabies Vaccine | £89 (per dose) | £89 (per dose) |
| Hepatitis A Vaccine | £55 | £50 |
| Hepatitis B Vaccine | £50 | £45 |
| Hepatitis A+B Combo | £75 | £75 |
| Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine | £60 | £60 |
| Malaria Tablets | £1.50 (per tablet) | £1 |
| Lariam Tablets | £3.00 | £3.00 |
| Doxy Treatment | £29.90 | £29.90 |
| Yellow Fever Vaccine | £80 | £80 |
| Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine | £110 | £100 |
| DPT Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Poliomyelitis) | £45 | £40 |
| MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) | £45 | £40 |
| Meningococcal ACWY – Hajj Vaccine (Meningitis) | £55 | £50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my travel clinic appointment?
We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, as some vaccines require multiple doses spread over several weeks, and your immune system needs time to build full protection. If your trip is more last-minute, contact us anyway, as some protection is often still possible.
Can I get all my travel vaccines in a single appointment?
In many cases, yes, multiple vaccines can be given during the same visit. Your pharmacist will confirm which combinations are suitable based on your destination, medical history, and the specific vaccines required.
Are travel vaccines available on the NHS?
Some travel vaccines, such as typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera, may be available free on the NHS depending on your circumstances and GP surgery. Others, such as yellow fever, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis, are typically only available privately, which is why we offer them directly at our travel clinic.
Do children need different travel vaccines to adults?
Children may need some of the same vaccines as adults, sometimes at a different dose or price, as reflected in our pricing table. Certain vaccines have age restrictions or alternative schedules for younger travellers, which your pharmacist will confirm during the consultation.
What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding and need travel vaccines?
Some travel vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while others are considered safe. It’s important to mention this during your consultation so your pharmacist can advise on which vaccines are appropriate, and whether any additional precautions are needed for your trip.
What side effects might I experience after a travel vaccine?
Most people experience mild, short-lived side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or a slight temperature. Serious reactions are rare. Your pharmacist will talk you through what to expect for each specific vaccine during your consultation.
Do I still need to take precautions if I’ve had all my recommended vaccines?
Yes. Vaccination significantly reduces your risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely, and not all travel-related illnesses have a vaccine, malaria being a key example. Continuing to follow food, water, and insect-bite precautions during your trip remains important alongside vaccination.
Visiting Us
Our pharmacists at our Travel Clinic are fully trained to administer travel vaccinations of all types and prescribe antimalarial medication. We also give you thorough, up-to-date health advice and information ahead of your travels so that you’re fully aware of the risks involved before you depart.
Visit Our Travel Clinic today.
Eltham Pharmacy in London offers a full range of travel vaccinations and advice on-site, with appointments usually available within the week.
Find us in Eltham at 560 Westhorne Avenue, Eltham, London, SE9 6DR or book your appointment online.
