Holiday Checklist: Don’t Forget Your Travel Vaccinations

by | Sep 24, 2025 | Travel Clinic

You’re packing your passport, sun cream, and flip-flops, but have you sorted your travel vaccinations yet? While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning an overseas holiday, protecting your health should be high on the checklist.

If you’re travelling outside of Europe, especially to regions like Asia, Africa, or South America, you may need vaccinations well before your departure. Luckily, if you’re in or around Longfield, Dartford, or Gravesend, Hodgson Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic is here to make it easy.

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Why Travel Vaccines Should Be on Your Holiday Checklist

Planning a trip abroad involves more than booking flights and packing bags. Many popular destinations carry health risks that aren’t present in the UK, including diseases like Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, and more.

The NHS Fit for Travel site offers general guidance, but the safest and smartest move is to get personalised advice from a travel health professional.

Travel Vaccinations: Not Just a Formality

Getting vaccinated before travel is a proactive step to:

  • Prevent serious diseases that can be life-threatening abroad
  • Avoid unexpected medical bills from treatment overseas
  • Comply with entry requirements for certain countries (e.g. Yellow Fever)
  • Ensure peace of mind during your trip

What Vaccinations Might You Need?

The vaccines you require depend on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, your medical history, and the type of trip (luxury vs rural, adventure vs business).

Here are some common travel vaccines:

DestinationCommon Recommended Vaccines
South AsiaTyphoid, Hepatitis A, Rabies
AfricaYellow Fever, Cholera, Malaria Tabs
South AmericaHepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever
Southeast AsiaJapanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid

Hodgson Pharmacy will give you a personalised vaccine checklist after a short consultation.

Your Travel Vaccination Checklist

Here’s a quick pre-travel checklist for health essentials:

  • Check if your destination requires vaccines
  • Schedule your travel health consultation 6–8 weeks before departure
  • Carry proof of vaccination if needed
  • Ask about malaria prevention tablets
  • Pack a medical travel kit (repellents, diarrhoea relief, etc.)
  • Ensure routine UK vaccines (MMR, Tetanus) are up to date
  • Bring an emergency contact list and travel insurance

Book Travel Vaccines in Longfield

Why Choose Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield?

Serving travellers in Longfield and nearby towns like Dartford and Gravesend, Hodgson Pharmacy provides:

  • A dedicated Travel Health Clinic
  • Expert travel pharmacists
  • Private travel vaccinations and health advice
  • Flexible appointments, walk-ins or pre-booked
  • Convenient access via public transport or car

We’re not just a pharmacy, we’re your local partner in travel safety.

When Should You Book a Travel Vaccine Appointment? 

Some vaccines require multiple doses or take weeks to provide full protection, so don’t delay. You should ideally book 6 to 8 weeks before travel. However, last-minute travellers are welcome too.

Even if you’re leaving in under a week, Hodgson Pharmacy can advise on partial protection or booster doses that still provide benefits.

Travel Health is Self-Care

Whether you’re heading off on a safari, a volunteering trip, or a beach holiday, staying protected with the right vaccinations and travel medication advice is the ultimate form of self-care. Don’t risk your health for a memory; protect it with smart planning.

Book Now at Hodgson Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic

We’ve made it easy for travellers in Longfield, Dartford, Gravesend, and surrounding areas to get everything they need for a safe journey. No long waits, no stress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need travel vaccines for Europe?

A: Usually not, but check for any specific entry requirements post-Brexit or for rural destinations. It’s always worth getting advice.

Q: Can I get vaccines on the NHS?

A: Some vaccines, like Tetanus or Hepatitis A, are available on the NHS, but most travel vaccines are private. Hodgson Pharmacy offers both.

Q: Do I need proof of vaccination?

A: Some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination (especially for Yellow Fever). We’ll provide documentation if needed.

Q: How long do travel vaccines last? 

A: It varies. Some last 3 years (e.g. Typhoid), others last a lifetime (e.g. Hepatitis A with a booster). We’ll guide you based on past records.