Travel vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Staying up to date with vaccination reduces your chance of becoming seriously unwell, which can be reassuring before travel — especially long trips, cruises or visits to see vulnerable relatives.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Anyone wanting to stay up to date before travel, cruises or visiting vulnerable relatives

What it does

Reduces the chance of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19

Availability

Available privately for those not eligible through the NHS programme

When to have it

Ideally a couple of weeks before travel, so protection can build

Entry rules

Most countries have relaxed COVID-19 entry requirements — always check your destination

How it spreads

Respiratory droplets and close contact

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact. Most people have a mild to moderate illness, but it can be more serious in older adults and those with certain health conditions, and it continues to circulate around the world.

Vaccination substantially reduces the risk of severe illness. For travellers, being up to date can be reassuring before long journeys, cruises, large gatherings or visits to vulnerable family members. We can provide a COVID-19 vaccination privately for those who would like one but aren't eligible through the NHS programme.

Risk areas

COVID-19 circulates worldwide, with activity rising and falling at different times in different places. Risk to travellers relates mainly to crowded indoor settings, long journeys and large gatherings rather than to specific destinations, though local situations and any entry requirements can change.

Risk for travellers

Anyone can catch COVID-19 while travelling, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, on long flights or cruises, and at large events. Being up to date is especially worthwhile for older travellers, those with underlying health conditions, and anyone visiting vulnerable friends or relatives. A small number of destinations may still have entry or testing requirements, so it's worth checking before you go.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

A new, continuous cough
A high temperature or fever
Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Sore throat, runny nose or headache
Tiredness and body aches
Shortness of breath in more severe cases

How does the COVID-19 Vaccine work?

COVID-19 vaccines prompt your immune system to recognise the virus, reducing the chance of severe illness. The NHS offers seasonal boosters to eligible groups; for those who aren't eligible but would like protection before travelling, we can provide a vaccination privately. We'll confirm what's suitable and the best timing around your trip at your appointment.

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Who should consider a COVID-19 vaccination before travel?

Staying up to date can be reassuring before travel, and is particularly worth considering if you are:

An older traveller or someone with an underlying health condition
Taking a long-haul trip, a cruise, or attending a large gathering
Visiting vulnerable friends or relatives at your destination
Not currently eligible for an NHS booster but would like protection

Timing and entry requirements

Have your vaccination ideally a couple of weeks before travel so protection has time to build. Most countries have now relaxed COVID-19 entry requirements, but a few may still ask for proof of vaccination or testing.

Requirements can change, so check the latest entry rules for your destination before you travel. We can advise on timing around your trip at your appointment.