The flights are booked. The hotel is confirmed. But have you sorted your travel vaccinations? If your summer holiday departs in July or August, June is your realistic deadline to ensure all vaccines are effective in time. Some require more than one dose. Others need ten days to provide protection. Acting now avoids unnecessary stress before you travel.
Why June Is Your Vaccination Deadline
Most travel vaccines take one to four weeks to become fully effective. Those requiring two doses — such as the full hepatitis B course — may be administered over several weeks. Yellow fever vaccination must be given at least ten days before arrival in a country that requires proof. If your holiday starts in July, booking a travel health consultation in May or June gives you the right window.
With the late May half-term approaching, our Chiswick travel clinic is already booking up. We recommend contacting us as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Five Vaccines Commonly Needed for Summer 2026 Destinations
Exact recommendations depend on your destination and personal health history. The following vaccines are among the most commonly administered for popular summer destinations:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for travel to parts of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. A single dose provides protection for approximately one year; a booster provides long-term cover.
Typhoid
Recommended for South Asia, parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and Central America. Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Available as an injection or oral capsules.
Rabies
Recommended for extended travel, adventure activities, or destinations with limited access to medical care — particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment if needed.
Yellow Fever
Mandatory for travel to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, and required for transit through certain airports. Yellow fever vaccination can only be administered at an approved centre — Alisha Pharmacy is approved to provide this vaccine and issue the required international certificate.
Meningitis ACWY
Required for travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. Also recommended for travel to parts of sub-Saharan Africa during the meningitis belt season.
NHS-Funded Vaccines vs Privately Funded
Some travel vaccines are available free of charge on the NHS where travel to a specific destination is the reason for vaccination. These commonly include hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera. Vaccines such as yellow fever, rabies and Japanese encephalitis are typically administered privately. During your consultation at Alisha Pharmacy, our team will clarify exactly which vaccines are NHS-funded for your trip.
Same-Day Appointments at Our Chiswick Travel Clinic
Alisha Pharmacy offers travel health consultations and vaccine administration from our Acton Lane clinic. We serve patients from Chiswick, Hammersmith, Brentford, Kew, Richmond and beyond. Walk-in enquiries are welcome, and appointments can be booked online or by telephone. As summer approaches, availability reduces — we encourage you to book at the earliest opportunity.
FAQs
Q: How long before my holiday should I get vaccinated?
Ideally six to eight weeks before departure, to allow time for any multi-dose vaccines and for immunity to develop. If your trip is sooner, we can often work with an accelerated schedule — contact us as soon as possible.
Q: Are travel vaccines expensive?
Some vaccines are available free on the NHS. Others are privately funded and priced per dose. We will provide a full breakdown during your consultation before any vaccines are administered.
Q: My child is travelling with me — do they need the same vaccines?
Children generally require the same destination-specific vaccines as adults, with dosage adjustments in some cases. Bring your child’s vaccination record to the consultation and we will advise accordingly.
Q: Can I have multiple vaccines on the same day?
Yes. It is safe and clinically standard to administer several travel vaccines at the same visit. Our pharmacist will plan your vaccination schedule to maximise protection before your travel date.