Sometimes travel plans come up last minute, leaving you a limited amount of time to prepare for all your trip will entail. This can include any necessary vaccinations you may need to protect yourself while you’re abroad.

However, even if you don’t have the recommended amount of time available, your doctor or local travel clinic may still be able to help.

When to Get Vaccines

The general rule of thumb is to get vaccines 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. Many vaccines only require one dose, but others like hepatitis A, rabies and Japanese encephalitis have multiple doses. These subsequent doses have to be administered at specific times, sometimes weeks apart. 

If you have less than 6-8 weeks, you may be able to get an accelerated vaccine schedule or get at least the first dose of a multi-dose vaccine. Receiving the first dose can still give you more protection than you would have had without the vaccine.

Staying Healthy Overseas

Whether you get your vaccines in time or not, you should take certain steps to prevent illness while you’re on your travels. 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and clean water
  • Use hand sanitizer frequently
  • Only eat hot food that has been prepared somewhere you trust
  • Try to drink bottled drinks and only drink the local water if it’s safe to do so
  • Use insect and mosquito repellant
  • Don’t touch or approach any wild animals
  • Wear suncream

Covid-19 Vaccines for Children and Adults  

Another vaccine you should get before you travel is the covid-19 vaccine. By now, you should have had at least two doses and potentially a booster shot as well. Everyone aged 12 and older is eligible for the vaccine via the NHS.

As long as they are over the age of 5, kids can now get the covid vaccine so child travelers can be protected against covid-19 as well. 

If you need proof of a covid test for travel in Northampton, contact West Chemist or book an appointment online. We can provide you with a same-day antigen test in Northampton as well as a fast PCR swab testing service in Northampton. 


3 Comments

How do I know if I have an infection? > West · December 24, 2022 at 12:20 pm

[…] Before travelling abroad, book an appointment at one of West Chemist’s travel vaccine clinics. Preventing foreign infections is the best way to protect yourself, especially if you’ll be somewhere that may not have adequate medical care. […]

What makes London Travel Clinic different? > West · January 11, 2023 at 2:17 pm

[…] may not have access to the medical facilities you’ll need if you become ill, so booking a travel clinic appointment can help you make informed […]

Your Essential Guide to Travel Vaccinations in Northampton · May 24, 2023 at 11:37 am

[…] addition to travel vaccines, we can give advice about other immunizations like covid-19, pneumonia, and the flu. These […]

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