Summer Health: Are you Holiday-ready?
Going away this summer? Whether it’s a trip abroad or a holiday in the UK, it’s important to plan ahead.
This guide will help you get ready. It includes advice about vaccines, medicines, travel risks, and what to do if you feel unwell.
✈️ Get the Right Travel Advice
Look for trusted health advice before you travel. Do this as early as you can.
Some countries have health risks like malaria or other diseases. You may need vaccines or extra care.
Use these websites to find up-to-date advice:
These websites will tell you:
- What vaccines you may need
- If there is a risk of malaria
- How to stay safe with food and water
- How to avoid insect and animal bites
- How to stay safe in the sun
- If there is a risk of illness like COVID-19 or flu
Check your travel insurance too. Make sure it covers medical care and any activities you plan to do.
Some countries also have rules about bringing medicine in. Always check before you pack.
💉 Vaccines for Travel
You may need vaccines before you go.
Some vaccines are free on the NHS. These protect you and others from serious diseases. You can get them at your GP surgery (if available).
Other vaccines are not free. You need to pay for them at a pharmacy or travel clinic.
| Free NHS Vaccinations | Non-NHS Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Polio | Hepatitis B |
| Typhoid | Japanese encephalitis |
| Hepatitis A | Meningitis |
| Cholera | Rabies |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | |
| Yellow Fever | |
Many pharmacies offer travel vaccines that aren’t available on the NHS. Check with them before you go.
✍️ Fill Out a Travel Risk Form
After reading about your destination, the next step is to complete a travel risk assessment survey.
As well as scheduling any vaccines that we can give, it is best to discuss your own health, your trip, and planned activities, especially if you have any long-term conditions.
Please wait 3 working days after submitting your form before contacting your Practice to make an appointment.
Remember, if you need other non-NHS vaccinations, or malaria medication, for example, you must arrange these yourself.
🏴 Staying in England This Summer?
If you’re holidaying in England, the NHS is still here for you.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you feel unwell. They can help or tell you where to go nearby.
Use the NHS App to order any prescriptions. You can:
- Pick a pharmacy near where you’re staying
- Create a barcode in the app to show at any pharmacy
Local pharmacies can also help with lots of every day problems, including:
- Earache
- Shingles
- Infected insect bites
- Some urinary tract infections (UTIs)
You don’t need an appointment to see a Pharmacist, and they are often open when GP practices aren’t. Read more about how pharmacists can help here.
✅ Quick Health Checklist Before You Go
✔ Check your destination on Fit for Travel or Travel Health Pro
✔ Get travel insurance that includes health cover
✔ Find out if you need any vaccines
✔ Complete your travel risk form
✔ Sort out any medicines or repeat prescriptions
✔ Make a plan in case you feel unwell on your trip
Safe travels – and enjoy your summer break!