Planning a Holiday? A Guide to Travel Vaccinations in Stoke-on-Trent
Whether you are heading to the beaches of Thailand, going on safari in Kenya or visiting family in Pakistan, getting the right vaccinations before you travel is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
At Derby Street Pharmacy in Hanley, we offer a full travel vaccination service. You do not need a GP referral, you do not need to wait weeks for an appointment, and our pharmacist can assess your needs and administer your vaccines on the same day in most cases.
Why do I need travel vaccinations?
Different countries carry different health risks. Diseases that are rare or non-existent in the UK can be common in parts of Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. Some of these illnesses, like Yellow Fever or Typhoid, can be serious or even life-threatening.
Travel vaccinations prepare your immune system to fight off these infections before you encounter them. Some vaccinations are recommended for your own protection, while others are actually required by law before you can enter certain countries.
Which vaccinations might I need?
The vaccinations you need depend on where you are going, how long you are staying, what time of year you are travelling and what activities you have planned. Here is a quick overview of the most common travel vaccinations we provide at our Stoke-on-Trent pharmacy:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for most destinations outside Western Europe, North America and Australasia. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water. A single injection gives protection for up to a year, and a booster extends that to 25 years.
Hepatitis B
Recommended if you are travelling for an extended period, working in a healthcare setting or visiting areas where Hepatitis B is common. It is spread through blood and bodily fluids. The standard course involves three injections over several weeks.
Typhoid
Common in South Asia, Africa and parts of South America. It is spread through contaminated food and water. A single injection provides protection for about three years.
Yellow Fever
Required for entry to certain countries in Africa and South America. Derby Street Pharmacy is a registered Yellow Fever vaccination centre, which means we can issue the official International Certificate of Vaccination that some border authorities require.
Rabies
Recommended if you are travelling to remote areas where medical care is limited, or if you will be around animals. The pre-exposure course involves three injections over 28 days, so it is important to plan ahead.
Cholera
An oral vaccine recommended for travellers visiting areas with active cholera outbreaks or those doing humanitarian work in affected regions.
Meningitis ACWY
Required for travellers to Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah, and recommended for parts of sub-Saharan Africa known as the “meningitis belt.”
What about malaria?
There is no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarial tablets can significantly reduce your risk. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area, our pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate antimalarial medication based on your destination, the length of your trip and your medical history.
We stock the most commonly prescribed antimalarials including Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) and Doxycycline. Our pharmacist will explain when to start taking them, how long to continue after you return and any potential side effects to be aware of.
When should I get vaccinated?
This is the question we hear most often, and the answer is simple: as early as possible. Some vaccinations need multiple doses spread over several weeks, and your body needs time to build up immunity after each dose.
As a general rule, try to book your travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before your departure date. However, if your trip is coming up sooner than that, come and see us anyway. We can often work out a schedule that gives you the best possible protection in the time available.
What happens at a travel health consultation?
When you visit Derby Street Pharmacy for a travel health appointment, our pharmacist will:
- Ask about your destination, travel dates, accommodation type and planned activities
- Review your vaccination history and any existing medical conditions
- Recommend the vaccinations and antimalarials you need
- Administer the vaccines there and then if you are happy to go ahead
- Give you practical health advice for your destination, including food and water safety tips
The whole process usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. We keep all the most common travel vaccines in stock, so there is rarely a need to come back for a second visit unless your vaccination course requires it.
How much do travel vaccinations cost?
Most travel vaccinations are not available on the NHS and are charged privately. Prices vary depending on the vaccine, but we always discuss costs with you before going ahead so there are no surprises. You can find our current prices on our travel vaccinations page.
Book your travel health appointment
If you have got a trip coming up, do not leave your vaccinations to the last minute. Book a travel health consultation at Derby Street Pharmacy by calling us on 01782 215215 or booking online through our website. We are at 17 Derby Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3LE, and we welcome patients from across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Leek, Stafford and the wider North Staffordshire area.
Wherever you are heading, we will make sure you are protected before you go.