Travel vaccine
Influenza Vaccine
Flu (influenza) is a common respiratory infection that can be more than just a bad cold. An annual vaccine is worthwhile for travel — flu seasons differ around the world, and crowded trips like cruises and pilgrimages can increase your risk.
Key facts
Who it's for
Travellers wanting protection, especially older adults, cruises and large gatherings
Vaccination course
A single annual dose
Why for travel
Flu seasons differ by region, so you can be exposed out of UK season
When to have it
Ideally a couple of weeks before travel
Availability
Available privately as well as through the NHS for eligible groups
How it spreads
Coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces
What is Influenza?
Influenza is caused by flu viruses that spread easily through coughs, sneezes and contact with contaminated surfaces. It can cause fever, aches, a cough and several days of feeling unwell, and can lead to more serious illness in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.
Flu circulates at different times of year in different parts of the world — winter in each hemisphere, and year-round in the tropics. Because of this, travellers can be exposed out of season, which makes vaccination worth considering, particularly for crowded trips such as cruises and large gatherings.
Risk areas
Flu occurs worldwide. In temperate regions it peaks during the winter months — which fall at opposite times in the northern and southern hemispheres — while in the tropics it can circulate all year round. Crowded settings such as cruise ships, tour groups and mass gatherings can increase the chance of catching it.
Risk for travellers
Anyone can catch flu while travelling, and you may be exposed out of the usual UK season when visiting the other hemisphere or the tropics. Risk of more serious illness is higher for older travellers, pregnant women, young children and people with long-term health conditions. Vaccination is particularly worth considering for these groups and for crowded trips such as cruises or pilgrimages.
What are the symptoms of Influenza?
- A sudden high temperature
- Body aches and tiredness
- A dry cough and sore throat
- Headache
- Chills and loss of appetite
- More serious illness is possible in higher-risk groups
How does the Influenza Vaccine work?
The flu vaccine is given as a single dose and is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. It's available through the NHS for eligible groups and privately for others who would like protection before travelling. Allow a couple of weeks before travel for protection to build. We'll advise on suitability and timing at your appointment.
Book your appointment for Influenza Vaccine right now.
Who should consider the flu vaccine for travel?
An annual flu vaccine is worth considering for many travellers, and especially if you are:
- An older traveller, pregnant, or someone with a long-term health condition
- Taking a cruise, joining a tour group, or attending a large gathering or pilgrimage
- Visiting the opposite hemisphere during its flu season, or the tropics
- Keen to avoid losing days of your trip to illness
Timing and how it works
The vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate, and gives a single season's protection. Have it ideally a couple of weeks before travel so protection can build.
Because flu seasons differ around the world, we'll advise on the most useful timing for your particular trip at your appointment.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild and last a day or two:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever or aches
- Tiredness
- Serious reactions are very rare
Reducing your risk while travelling
Alongside vaccination, simple measures help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory infections:
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously unwell where possible
- Rest and stay hydrated if you do become unwell, and seek advice if symptoms are severe
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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