Question 1

How long does the Yellow Fever vaccine last?

Accepted Answer

For most people a single dose of Yellow Fever vaccine gives lifelong protection, and since 2016 the international certificate (ICVP) is also valid for life — you no longer need a booster every 10 years for the certificate. A small number of people (for example some who were vaccinated while pregnant or immunosuppressed) may be advised to have a further dose; we'll confirm this for you.

Question 2

How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?

Accepted Answer

A single first dose of hepatitis A vaccine protects you for around a year. If you have a second dose 6 to 12 months later, protection extends to around 25 years — effectively long-term for most travellers. If you only had one dose before a past trip, you can usually still complete the course.

Question 3

How long does the typhoid vaccine last?

Accepted Answer

The injectable typhoid (Vi) vaccine lasts about 3 years. If you travel regularly to areas where typhoid is a risk, you'll need a booster every 3 years to stay protected.

Question 4

Do travel vaccines expire — how do I know when a booster is due?

Accepted Answer

Yes — protection from most travel vaccines fades over time, and the interval is different for each one (see the table above). The simplest way to know exactly where you stand is to bring your vaccination records to an appointment, or tell us what you've had and when; we'll work out what's still valid and what needs topping up before your trip.

Question 5

These are 'typical' durations — why might mine be different?

Accepted Answer

The figures here are typical for healthy adults after the full recommended course. Your own timing can vary with your age, your health and immune system, exactly which schedule you had, and your destination's risk. That's why we always confirm your booster timing individually rather than going purely by the table.

Question 6

I'm immunocompromised — do these durations apply to me?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The durations here are typical for people with a healthy immune system. If your immune system is weakened — by a medical condition, chemotherapy, or medicines such as steroids or biologics — you may produce fewer antibodies, your protection may not last as long, and some vaccines work less well. You might need a different schedule, additional doses, or an antibody (titre) blood test to check your response, and some live vaccines may not be suitable. Please tell us about your health and medications so we can tailor your plan to you.

Question 7

What if I don't produce enough antibodies after a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

It happens — people don't all respond to vaccines in the same way, and a small number are 'non-responders' to a particular vaccine. For some vaccines we can check your protection with an antibody (titre) blood test and, if needed, give an extra dose or an alternative schedule. If this is a concern for you, mention it at your appointment and we'll advise.

Vaccine	Typically lasts	Notes
Yellow Fever	Life	One dose; the ICVP certificate is valid for life.
Hepatitis A	~25 years	1st dose covers ~1 year; a 2nd dose (6–12 months later) gives long-term cover.
Hepatitis B	Likely lifelong	After the full course; routine boosters aren't usually needed for healthy adults.
Typhoid (injection)	3 years	Booster needed if you keep travelling to risk areas.
Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio	10 years	A combined booster if it's been 10+ years and you're travelling to a risk area.
Rabies (pre-exposure)	Long-lasting memory	No fixed booster interval for most; depends on ongoing risk. After a bite you still need prompt treatment.
Japanese Encephalitis	~1–2 years, then ~10 with a booster	A booster at 12–24 months extends protection considerably.
Cholera (oral)	~2 years (adults)	Shorter in young children; booster for continued risk.
Meningitis ACWY	~5 years	Required for Hajj & Umrah; check the certificate window.
Tick-borne Encephalitis	~3 years	After the primary course; boosters keep cover going.
MMR	Lifelong	Two doses give long-term protection.

How long do travel vaccines last?

Travel vaccine validity at a glance

Vaccine validity — your questions answered

Not sure if you're still covered?