Planning Ahead for Safe Travel
If you are travelling outside the UK, you may need protection against a range of infections, such as yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A- diseases not covered by the NHS routine immunisation schedule. At Jacksdale Medical Centre, we strongly encourage you to plan ahead by submitting your travel vaccination forms 10 to 12 weeks before departure. This window allows sufficient time for us to order vaccines and arrange an appointment with a nurse 6 to 8 weeks before you travel, ensuring that vaccine courses can be completed and your body has enough time to develop immunity.
Why Early Submission Matters
- Vaccine procurement: Many travel vaccines are not held in stock and must be ordered specially. Allowing 10 to 12 weeks ensures we can source them promptly.
- Immunity window: Some vaccinations require time—ranging from several weeks to months—for full effectiveness. Others need multiple doses spaced over time nhs.uk.
- Appointment scheduling: To fit within the 6 to 8-week pre-travel window, we need adequate notice to schedule nurse appointments for delivery of your vaccines.
Understanding Vaccines and Eligibility
Vaccines Available Free on the NHS
We provide the following travel vaccines at no cost, as they help protect the public’s health if diseases were brought into the UK:
- Polio (as part of the combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Cholera
Vaccines Not Offered at the Surgery
Other travel vaccines, such as hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis ACWY, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, tuberculosis (TB), and yellow fever, are not available at Jacksdale Medical Centre. If you require any of these, you will need to attend a private travel clinic. Our nursing team can advise which ones may be recommended for your destination and direct you to appropriate services.
What to Expect After Form Submission
- Initial review
Once we receive your completed travel form 10–12 weeks before departure, a nurse will assess your vaccination history and travel plans. - Advice and scheduling
We will inform you which NHS vaccines you need and book you in for a nurse appointment 6–8 weeks before travel. - Vaccination appointments
At your appointment, you will receive the required vaccines. If multiple doses or boosters are needed, the nurse will advise on timing.
Additional Considerations
- Malaria and other travel health risks
We can provide general advice on malaria prevention and other travel-related health issues. You may also find destination-specific guidance on TravelHealthPro or NHS Fit for Travel. - Health conditions and pregnancy
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an impaired immune system, or specific health conditions (such as HIV or undergoing chemotherapy), please let the nurse know, as some vaccines may not be suitable for you. - Routine NHS boosters
Travel is also an excellent opportunity to ensure your routine NHS vaccinations, such as MMR or flu, are up to date. Ask us during your appointment if you are unsure.