Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Pakistan
Whether you're visiting family, exploring Lahore and Islamabad, or heading to the northern mountains, here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Pakistan — confirmed for you at a quick consultation.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Pakistan?
Pakistan is a very popular destination, especially for travellers visiting friends and relatives. Most trips call for a few travel vaccinations on top of your routine UK immunisations — and a polio booster is particularly important, because Pakistan is one of the few countries where polio still circulates.
The list below is a general guide based on UK travel health advice. We'll confirm exactly what you need — including whether malaria tablets are advised for your route — at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Some vaccines need more than one dose or time to work, so aim to come in 4–6 weeks before departure. Visiting family at short notice? Come in anyway — there's almost always something we can do.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Pakistan
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips to Pakistan.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers — typhoid is relatively common in Pakistan.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended — the polio component matters especially for Pakistan, where polio still circulates.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies occurs in Pakistan and dog bites are common, especially away from cities.
Japanese Encephalitis
Some travellers
For longer stays in rural or farming areas, particularly during and after the monsoon.
Cholera
Some travellers
Considered for higher-risk trips, relief work, or where sanitation is poor.
Chikungunya
Some travellers
A mosquito-borne illness reported in Pakistan, carried by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. A vaccine may be considered for some travellers alongside strict bite avoidance.
Polio
Polio and Pakistan — why the booster matters
Pakistan is one of only a small number of countries where wild poliovirus still circulates, so a polio booster (given in the combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio jab) is recommended for travellers. Under International Health Regulations, people staying longer than four weeks may also be asked to show proof of polio vaccination when they leave the country, so it's worth being up to date and keeping your record.
- A combined tetanus/diphtheria/polio booster is recommended if you're not up to date
- Long stays (over 4 weeks) may need proof of polio vaccination to exit
- We'll check your history and get you up to date in good time
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and dengue in Pakistan
Malaria risk in Pakistan is generally low and is mainly in lower-lying areas below about 2,000m. For many trips the key protection is careful mosquito-bite avoidance rather than tablets, but antimalarial tablets are advised for some itineraries — so we'll check your exact route. Dengue also occurs, so bite protection matters wherever you go.
- We'll advise whether antimalarial tablets are needed for your specific route
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
FAQ
Pakistan travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Pakistan?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your vaccinations, polio booster and malaria advice for your trip.