Reviewed by GPhC Pharmacist at Priory Pharmacy Clinical Team, York
Quick answer: The travel vaccines you need for a winter sun trip from York depend on your destination. For popular short-haul spots like the Canary Islands or mainland Spain, being up to date with routine UK vaccines is usually enough. Destinations further afield, such as Egypt, Morocco, the Caribbean or Thailand, may call for vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid, and some countries in Africa and South America may require yellow fever vaccination or antimalarial tablets. Ideally, book a travel health consultation with your local pharmacy 6 to 8 weeks before you fly, so there is time for any vaccines to take effect.
When the days get short and grey, a bit of winter sun is hard to resist. Whether you’re heading to Thailand, the Caribbean, Egypt or a safari in East Africa, some destinations carry health risks you won’t face at home. A little planning before you go can protect you from illnesses that could spoil your trip, or worse.
The Priory Pharmacy in Acomb runs a private travel clinic, offering advice and vaccines that aren’t available free from your GP. This guide explains what to consider for popular winter sun destinations and how to prepare.
When should I book?
Book a travel health appointment at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need more than one dose, and some take time to build protection. If you’re travelling sooner, it’s still worth coming in, as some protection is better than none.
Free vaccines vs paid vaccines
Some travel vaccines are free on the NHS from your GP practice, including hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, and the diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster. Others are only available privately, such as rabies, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis B for travel. Our travel clinic can advise you on both and provide private vaccines where needed.
Popular winter sun destinations
Recommendations depend on your exact itinerary, activities and health, so always get personal advice. As a rough guide:
| Destination | Vaccines often considered | Other risks to know about |
| Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus | Usually just routine UK vaccines | Sunburn, food and water hygiene |
| Egypt | Hepatitis A, typhoid, sometimes rabies | Travellers’ diarrhoea |
| Thailand, Vietnam, Bali | Hepatitis A, typhoid, sometimes rabies, hepatitis B or Japanese encephalitis | Dengue, some malaria risk in rural areas |
| Caribbean | Hepatitis A, typhoid, sometimes hepatitis B | Dengue, yellow fever certificate rules on some islands |
| Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar | Hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, sometimes rabies | Malaria |
| India, Sri Lanka | Hepatitis A, typhoid, sometimes rabies, hepatitis B or Japanese encephalitis | Malaria in some areas, dengue |
Check the latest country advice on the TravelHealthPro website, and the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread by mosquito bites. If you’re visiting a malaria area, you may need antimalarial tablets. They need to be started before you travel, taken while you’re away and continued after you return. No tablet is 100% effective, so avoiding bites matters too. If you get a fever up to a year after returning from a malaria area, see a doctor urgently and tell them where you’ve been.
Dengue and mosquito bites
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes that bite during the day and is common in parts of Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. To protect yourself from mosquito-borne infections:
- use an insect repellent containing DEET, and reapply it after swimming or sweating
- wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk
- sleep under a mosquito net if your room isn’t air-conditioned or screened
- put sunscreen on first, then repellent on top
Rabies
Rabies is spread through bites, scratches or licks from infected animals, most often dogs, but also bats, cats and monkeys. It’s almost always fatal once symptoms start. A pre-travel vaccine course makes treatment simpler if you’re bitten. Whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, wash any bite or scratch with soap and water and get medical help the same day.
Yellow fever
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter, particularly if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccine must be given at a registered yellow fever centre. Ask us whether we can provide it, or where to go.
What happens at your travel appointment
- You’ll tell us where you’re going, when, for how long and what you’ll be doing.
- We’ll check your vaccination history and medical history.
- We’ll recommend the vaccines and medicines you need, and explain which are free from your GP.
- If you choose to go ahead, we can give private vaccines at the same visit.
Bring a list of any vaccines you’ve had before and any medicines you take.
Other things to pack and plan
- Travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation.
- Your regular medicines, in your hand luggage, with enough to last your trip plus a few extra days.
- A small first aid kit, with plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets and pain relief.
- Sun protection, with SPF 30 or higher.
- A plan for long flights. Move around, stay hydrated and ask about flight socks if you’re at higher risk of blood clots.
A travel health appointment is a small investment in a safe and enjoyable trip. Call The Priory Pharmacy on 01904 404101 or ask in store to book your travel clinic appointment, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you fly.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of someone you care for, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on where you are travelling, how long you are staying and what you plan to do. For short-haul European destinations, being up to date with routine UK vaccines is usually enough. Long-haul destinations may call for vaccines such as hepatitis A or typhoid. A pharmacist can check the latest advice for your destination during a travel health consultation.
Most travellers to the Canary Islands or mainland Spain do not need extra travel vaccines, as long as their routine UK vaccinations are up to date. This includes vaccines such as MMR and tetanus. If you are unsure whether your routine vaccines are current, your pharmacist or GP can help you check.
Hepatitis A and a tetanus booster are commonly recommended for these destinations, and typhoid may be advised depending on where you stay and what you eat and drink. Some travellers may also be advised to consider rabies vaccination, particularly for longer trips or activities that bring them into contact with animals. Your pharmacist will tailor advice to your itinerary.
Ideally, book a travel health consultation 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need time to become effective, and others are given as a course of doses. If you are travelling sooner, it is still worth speaking to a pharmacist, as some protection may be possible even at short notice.
Malaria tablets are only needed for certain destinations, such as parts of Africa including The Gambia and Kenya. Most popular winter sun destinations in Europe do not carry a malaria risk. Your pharmacist can check whether antimalarials are recommended for your trip and advise on the most suitable option for you.
Some travel vaccines, such as hepatitis A, typhoid and the diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster, are usually available free through your GP. Others, including rabies and yellow fever, are generally only available privately. A pharmacy travel clinic can offer private vaccinations and advise on costs during your consultation.
Yes. Many community pharmacies in York offer travel health consultations, where a pharmacist reviews your destination, travel dates and medical history before recommending any vaccines or medicines. Contact your local pharmacy to check which vaccines they offer and to book an appointment.