Flights get booked and bags get packed, but vaccinations are often forgotten until the days before departure. It is a far more common situation than many travellers expect. The UK Health Security Agency reports that the majority of hepatitis A cases in England are linked to travel abroad, often in people who were unvaccinated before they left.
For last-minute travellers, this highlights an important truth. Even short-notice trips can carry real health risks, and the right travel vaccinations can still make a meaningful difference. Understanding which vaccinations matter most when time is limited helps you protect your health without unnecessary stress before you go.
Why do travel vaccinations still matter if I am travelling soon?
Travel vaccinations reduce the risk of serious infections abroad even when given shortly before travel. Some protection is better than none, especially for diseases common in parts of Africa, Asia and South America.
Even last-minute vaccination shots for travel can help lower illness risk and prevent complications that could disrupt your trip.
What happens if I travel without vaccinations?
Travelling without protection increases the risk of preventable infections such as hepatitis A or typhoid. Treatment abroad may be limited, and illness can affect long-term health after you return.
Can vaccines work if given close to departure?
Many vaccines start providing protection within days. While full immunity may take longer, partial protection is still valuable for short-notice travellers.
Which vaccinations are most important for last-minute travel?
When time is limited, pharmacists prioritise vaccines that offer fast protection and cover common risks.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of the most important travel vaccinations. It spreads through contaminated food and water and is common in many destinations. Protection begins quickly after the first dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is another key concern for travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation. Injectable typhoid vaccines can be given shortly before travel and provide useful protection.
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster
Many adults are overdue for a booster. A combined booster protects against serious infections that can occur worldwide, including through cuts or injuries while travelling.
Yellow fever where required
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. If your destination requires it, this vaccine becomes a priority and must be given at an approved centre.
Are malaria tablets needed for last-minute travellers?
Malaria prevention is essential for many destinations and can usually be started close to travel.
When should malaria tablets be started?
Some malaria tablets can begin one or two days before travel. Pharmacists assess your destination, length of stay and medical history before advising.
Are malaria tablets a vaccine?
Malaria tablets are not vaccines. They reduce the risk of infection but do not replace other travel vaccinations.
What if I do not have time for a full vaccine course?
Not all vaccines require a full course before travel to offer benefit.
Single-dose protection
Vaccines like hepatitis A offer good short-term protection after one dose. Boosters can be completed after you return if needed.
Delayed boosters after travel
If a second dose is required later, pharmacists can schedule this safely once you are back in the UK.
How can I book vaccinations for travel quickly?
Booking promptly is key when travelling at short notice. Many pharmacies offer fast-access appointments.
What information should I prepare?
Bring your travel itinerary, including countries, dates and planned activities. This helps pharmacists assess risks accurately.
Can pharmacists advise on multiple destinations?
Yes. Pharmacists review all destinations and tailor vaccinations needed for travel based on the highest risk areas.
What should I do now if I am travelling very soon?
If you are travelling within days, acting quickly still makes a difference. A short consultation can identify which travel vaccinations will give the most benefit in the time available.
Pharmacists focus on safety, evidence-based guidance and realistic protection rather than unnecessary treatments.
Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy for travel vaccinations and personalised advice to help you travel with confidence even at short notice.
FAQs
Can I get travel vaccinations if I am travelling in less than a week?
Yes. Many travel vaccinations can still be given days before departure. Pharmacists prioritise vaccines that offer fast protection and reduce the highest infection risks for your destination.
What are the most important travel vaccinations for last-minute trips?
Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus boosters are often prioritised for last-minute travellers. These protect against common infections spread through food, water and injuries abroad.
Do travel vaccinations work immediately?
Some protection begins within a few days of vaccination. While full immunity may take longer, a single dose can still lower the risk of serious illness during short-notice travel.
Is it worth getting travel vaccinations if I am only going away briefly?
Yes. Even short trips can expose you to infections such as hepatitis A or typhoid. Travel vaccinations help reduce health risks regardless of trip length.
Can pharmacists advise which vaccinations I need for my destination?
Yes. Pharmacists assess your destination activities, length of stay and health history to recommend appropriate vaccinations needed for safe and efficient travel.
How quickly can I book vaccinations for travel?
Many pharmacies offer quick-access appointments for travel vaccinations. Booking as soon as possible allows pharmacists to provide the most effective protection before you travel.
