UK travel vaccine access
NHS vs private travel vaccinations
Some travel vaccines may be provided free by NHS GP practices when clinically indicated for travel. Others, including yellow fever, rabies and Japanese encephalitis, are usually arranged privately.
Last updated: 2026-05-11.
Quick answer
Check your GP first for hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera and polio boosters if you have enough time. Use a private travel clinic when you need yellow fever certification, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, malaria tablets or a faster appointment.
Which route to check first?
| Vaccine or medicine | NHS route | Private route | Booking note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Often available free from NHS GP practices when clinically indicated for travel | Usually £40-£95 privately | Check GP availability first if you have enough time. |
| Typhoid | Often available free from NHS GP practices when clinically indicated for travel | Usually £30-£65 privately | Oral and injectable products have different schedules. |
| Cholera | May be available from NHS GP practices when clinically indicated | Private price varies by clinic | Mostly relevant for higher-risk itineraries. |
| Polio booster | Usually NHS where indicated | Private route available if needed quickly | Often combined with tetanus/diphtheria/polio booster. |
| Yellow fever | Not routinely free on the NHS for travel | Usually private at an approved centre | Certificate rules matter as much as the dose price. |
| Rabies | Usually private for travel | Usually priced per dose | Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove need for urgent care after bites. |
| Japanese encephalitis | Usually private for travel | Usually priced per dose | Most relevant for longer rural or seasonal risk. |
| Malaria tablets | Not prescribed on the NHS for travel prevention | Private prescription or pharmacy/travel clinic route | Total cost depends on medicine and trip length. |
GP practices may need nurse appointment availability, so check early.
Private clinics can be better for last-minute travel or multi-vaccine itineraries.
Yellow fever certificates must come from approved centres, not just any vaccinator.
Related pages
Sources & further reading
- NHS travel vaccinations — UK NHS guidance on travel vaccines and which vaccines may be available from GP practices.
- TravelHealthPro — NaTHNaC destination-specific travel health advice and vaccine guidance.
- NaTHNaC yellow fever centres — UK Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre registry and certification context.
- WHO travel and health — International travel health and vaccination requirement context.