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Travel vaccinations

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated by Dr Toni Hazell Last updated 10 Feb 2023

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series: Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine Rabies vaccine Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine Typhoid vaccine Yellow fever vaccine

Travel vaccinations are an essential part of holiday and travel planning, particularly if your journey takes you to an exotic destination or 'off the beaten track'. The risks are not restricted to tropical travel, although most travel vaccines are targeted at diseases which are more common in the tropics.

For more general information about travel see the separate leaflet called Health Advice for Travel Abroad .

This leaflet discusses the vaccinations that are available and gives some idea of the time you need to allow to complete a full protective course of vaccination. Further information specific to your destination can be obtained from your surgery (if they have the resources to offer this service), from specialist travel clinics and from a number of websites. You will find a selection of these listed at the bottom of this leaflet and under references.

The rise in worldwide and adventurous tourism has seen a massive increase in people travelling to exotic destinations. This leads to exposure to diseases that are less likely to occur at home. These are diseases against which we have no natural immunity and against which we are not routinely immunised in the UK. They include:

Insect-borne conditions such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and Zika virus.

Diseases acquired from eating and drinking, such as hepatitis A and traveller's diarrhoea.

Diseases acquired from others or conditions of poor hygiene, such as hepatitis B and Ebola virus.

Diseases acquired directly from animals, such as rabies.

These are illnesses which might not only spoil your holiday but might also pose a risk to your life. For specific advice on travelling to more remote places: see the separate leaflet called Travelling to Remote Locations .

Patient picks for Travel vaccinations

What side effects are associated with the yellow fever vaccine?

Typhoid vaccine

Before travelling outside the UK it is important to check whether there are any vaccinations available which could protect you. You can do this by making a travel planning appointment at your GP surgery. During your consultation a specialist travel nurse will complete a risk assessment to determine which vaccines are right for you. If your GP does not offer this service, or does not have an appointment available before you travel, then you will need to seek this advice from a private travel clinic.

There are also several websites which aim to offer up-to-date, country-specific advice on vaccinations and on disease patterns.

You can find out if travel vaccines are recommended for any countries you are planning to visit from the Travel Health Pro website or NHS website Fitfortravel if you are in Scotland.

Vaccination courses need to be planned well in advance. Some vaccinations involve a course of injections at specified intervals and it can take up to six months to complete a course. Some vaccinations can't be given together.

The following table lists the travel vaccinations which are available and in common use in the UK. Always check with your surgery or online before travelling, particularly to unusual destinations, for local outbreaks of disease which mean other specific vaccinations are advised.

Travel vaccinations (adults)

The protection offered by vaccination is not always 100%. Vaccination will greatly reduce your chances of acquiring the disease and in many cases the protection level offered is extremely high. The protection will also not be lifelong. However, there isn't a vaccine available for every disease - for example, there is none at present against malaria.

Even where a vaccine is available, vaccination should not be the only thing you rely on for protection against illness. It is important to know the risks; taking sensible steps to avoid exposing yourself to disease is by far the most useful thing you can do.

Pregnant women

It is important that pregnant women also receive the necessary vaccinations before travelling. Some vaccines, however, are not safe to use in pregnancy - see table below. In some cases your doctor or nurse may ask you to consider whether the journey could wait until after the birth of your baby, as the risks of disease may be very real and you may be unable to fully protect yourself and your baby.

There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent Zika virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and which is of particular concern to pregnant women due to its link to birth defects. The recent outbreak of the virus is currently considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. See the separate leaflet called Zika Virus.

No vaccination is available against malaria. People who live permanently in malarial zones have partial protection but they lose this swiftly when they move away. Protection against malaria is through a combination of avoidance of mosquito bites and the use of malaria tablets.

Tablets have to be started before entering the malarial zone and continued for some days or weeks after leaving it. The recommended tablet regime varies by area. Your practice nurse will have access to up-to-date advice on recommendations for your journey. See the separate leaflet called Malaria Prevention for more details.

There are many tropical diseases for which no vaccination is yet available. These include:

Insect (arthropod)-borne viruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya .

Infections carried by water-dwelling organisms such as bilharzia and flukes

Parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis and hydatid disease. Parasites are living things (organisms) that live within, or on, another organism.

There is also as yet no vaccine against HIV .

Most of these conditions can be avoided by travellers taking reasonable precautions around:

Food and drink.

Swimming in water known to be infested with parasitic organisms.

Exposure to biting insects.

Unprotected sexual encounters.

People often at greatest risk when travelling are those visiting a country which they think of as their place of origin, where members of their family live and roots may be. People often believe - falsely - that as one-time residents who may have been born and raised there, they have a natural immunity. They feel that they are not on holiday but visiting home and that vaccinations aren't needed.

Unfortunately this is not true. We acquire natural immunity by living in a place and being constantly exposed to the diseases that are present. When we leave the area for distant shores that protection is rapidly lost and we need the protection of vaccination, together with the other precautions listed above.

This is particularly true of malaria, where visitors 'going back home' may find their relatives puzzled and even amused that they are taking anti-malarial medication. Even so, it's very important to do so. It's only by living there all the time that you acquire your resident relatives' level of immunity. Your immune system has a short memory for this sort of partial immunity.

Many NHS surgeries offer a full range of travel vaccinations. However, your surgery may not have the resources to fit you in before you travel. Alternatively, you can visit private specialist travel clinics.

The NHS does not usually cover travellers for vaccinations relating to exotic travel, although some vaccinations such as hepatitis A are usually free. Aid workers and healthcare workers are often offered free vaccinations against occupational risks but others have to pay.

Anti-malarial tablets are never free and can add a substantial sum to the cost of your trip. Whilst this may seem expensive, it is usually a small sum relative to the costs of your travel. Safeguarding your health should be considered an essential part of any trip.

If a vaccination certificate is issued keep it and update it over the years so that you have a full record. Your NHS surgery will have a record of vaccines they have administered to you and can often issue a copy. However, the yellow fever vaccination certificate needs to be saved, as this cannot be re-issued.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 9 Feb 2028

10 feb 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

29 Apr 2014 | Originally published

Authored by:

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GP mythbuster 107: Pre-travel health services

Guidance updated April 2023

We have fully revised and reissued this information to incorporate up-to-date resources and advice.

Travel health services are available from a range of NHS and independent healthcare services.

These include:

NHS GP practices
private travel clinics
some specialist clinics providing post-tropical screening services
occupational health settings
military healthcare settings
independent schools and universities.

In England, a provider needs to be registered with CQC if it provides travel health services that are delivered by a doctor or a nurse. This comes under the regulated activity of treatment of disease, disorder or injury .

Travel health services are exempt from CQC registration if they are provided in:

occupational or military settings - these work under their own standards of practice
pharmacies - where the service is not delivered by a doctor or nurse.

NHS GP practices are required to offer certain vaccinations for the purposes of travel, free of charge. The travel vaccines available on the NHS are provided because they protect against the diseases thought to be the greatest risk to public health, if brought into this country. These are:

polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
hepatitis A

Not all travel vaccines are provided on the NHS. See the BMA's Travel medication and vaccinations guidance for further information.

A pre-travel risk assessment must be performed by the healthcare practitioner either:

giving the travel vaccine under a Patient Group Direction (PGD), or
delegating the administration of the travel vaccine under a Patient Specific Direction (PSD).

See information about Patient Group Directions (PGDs) / Patient Specific Directions (PSDs)

For more details see:

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service
National Travel Health Network and Centre
RCN Travel Health Nursing: career and competence development

GP practices that provide travel health services can also offer:

advice, including preventing malaria. See Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK
advice on the vaccines available on the NHS and information on where to go for those that are not.

Governance structures and individual travel medicine practitioners influence the quality and safety of services. In NHS general practice, this duty of care is often delegated to general practice nurses (GPNs), pharmacists and paramedics.

The GP delegating must be satisfied that the person providing care has:

the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience to provide safe care for the patient
access to appropriate training, supervision and oversight.

See the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice guidance.

Registered nurses delivering travel health services are professionally accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). They work within the NMC Code (2015) .

Regardless of their profession, the minimum standard of practice for practitioners who deliver travel health services is the same. Pre-travel consultations are complex. Practitioners need a wide knowledge that covers:

geography and epidemiology of infectious disease
vaccine-preventable diseases
infections transmitted by insect bites
non-vaccine preventable risks
the ability to risk assess and communicate this to the traveller.

Initial training for travel health should be in line with:

Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow)
RCN Travel Health Nursing: career and competence development . This includes using the competency assessment tools before carrying out clinical practice.

There should be evidence of formal training in immunisation and ongoing evidence of competence. Practitioners should also achieve safeguarding competence at the appropriate level. This includes awareness of female genital mutilation and forced marriage. See the RCN Travel Health Subject Guide .

Practitioners administering yellow fever vaccines must meet the standard required to register as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. This is administered by the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

When we inspect

We may not look at every regulation at every assessment. Where we identify concerns regarding travel services, we assess against:

Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment)
Regulation 17 (Good governance)
Regulation 18 (Staffing)

We will look for evidence that providers have systems to ensure that staff:

are recruited appropriately
operate within the limits of their capability, scope of practice and competency
receive appropriate information, support and supervision to enable them to carry out their role.

Training and development should include, but is not limited to:

reviewing pre-travel consultations until the practitioner has reached the minimum standard of proficiency
communicating patient safety alerts and guidance
opportunities for continuing professional development
complaints and significant event arrangements.

We expect to see processes to assess, monitor and mitigate the risks relating to the health, safety and welfare of patients. Examples include:

Using a recognised online tool to identify country-specific risks to help make recommendations. Country-specific risks include vaccine-preventable and mosquito-borne diseases. See the travelhealthpro website
A comprehensive travel health risk assessment completed for each person using the service.
all vaccines given
medicine prescribed or advised
vaccines declined.
Risk assessment of the emergency equipment and medicines required. As a minimum, this must include adrenaline.
patient group directions (PGDs)and patient-specific directions (PSDs)
use of unlicensed and off-label medicines.
Safe storage of medicines, including vaccines.

Further information

Non-medical prescribing
Resuscitation in GP surgeries
General Medical Council ethical guidance for prescribing unlicensed medicines

GP mythbusters

Snippet gp mythbusters rh.

Clearing up some common myths about our inspections of GP and out-of-hours services and sharing agreed guidance to best practice.

See all issues:

GP mythbusters: listed by key question
GP mythbusters: full list
GP mythbusters: recently updated

Available travel vaccines

The following vaccinations are available for people travelling abroad.

Cholera vaccination

Vaccination against cholera isn't routinely needed for most travellers.

But in some cases it may be recommended for aid workers and people likely to have limited access to medical services – for example, people working in refugee camps or after natural disasters.

Most cases of cholera are confined to regions of the world with poor sanitation and water hygiene, such as parts of:

South America

The vaccine is usually given as a drink in 2 separate doses, taken 1 to 6 weeks apart.

Children aged 2 to 6 years old should have a third dose taken 1 to 6 weeks after the second dose.

You should make sure you have the final dose of this vaccine at least a week before you travel.

A single booster dose or full revaccination is usually recommended if you have previously been vaccinated against cholera and you're planning to travel to an area where the infection is common.

Diphtheria vaccination

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria , polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK.

You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before travelling.

Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you're going to visit parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago.

Diphtheria is more common in parts of the world where fewer people are vaccinated, such as:

Central and Southeast Asia
Eastern Europe

Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection.

Hepatitis A vaccination

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you're travelling to countries where there are poor levels of sanitation and hygiene, and hepatitis A is common.

Ask your GP, pharmacy or travel clinic if you should have the hepatitis A vaccine if you're travelling to:

Sub-Saharan and North Africa
the Middle East
South and Central America

The vaccination against hepatitis A is usually given as a single initial injection, with a second dose 6 to 12 months later. Two doses should protect you for at least 25 years.

You should preferably have the initial dose at least 2 weeks before you leave, although it can be given up to the day of your departure if needed.

Jabs that offer combined protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B or typhoid are also available if you're likely to also be at risk of these conditions.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended if you're travelling in parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, especially if you'll be doing activities that increase your risk of developing the infection.

Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids. Things like having sex, injecting drugs or playing contact sports on your travels can increase your risk.

Anyone travelling for long periods or who's likely to need medical care while abroad is also at increased risk.

Hepatitis B is found worldwide, but it's more common in parts of:

Sub-Saharan Africa
Southern and Eastern Europe

The hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a course of 3 injections. Depending on how quickly you need protection, these may be spread over a period as long as 6 months or as short as 3 weeks.

A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B jab is also available if you're likely to be at risk of both these conditions while travelling.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination

Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is usually recommended if you're planning a long stay (usually at least a month) in a country where you could get the condition.

It's particularly important if:

you're visiting during the rainy season or there's a year-round risk because of a tropical climate
you're going to visit rural areas, such as rice fields or marshlands
you'll be taking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected, such as cycling or camping

Japanese encephalitis is found throughout Asia and beyond. The area it's found in stretches from the western Pacific islands in the east, across to the borders of Pakistan in the west.

It's found as far north as Northeastern China and as far south as the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York in Northeastern Australia.

Despite its name, Japanese encephalitis is now relatively rare in Japan because of mass immunisation programmes.

Find out more about risk areas on the Travel Health Pro website

Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis usually consists of 2 injections, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.

Ideally, you need to have the second dose a week before you leave.

Meningococcal meningitis vaccination

Vaccination against some types of meningococcal meningitis is usually recommended if you're travelling to areas at risk and your planned activities put you at higher risk – for example, if you're a long-term traveller who has close contact with the local population.

High-risk areas for meningococcal meningitis include:

parts of Africa
Saudi Arabia during the mass gatherings of Hajj or Umrah

All travellers to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages are required to show proof of vaccination.

If travelling to a high-risk area, you should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis with a MenACWY vaccine , also known as the quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine.

This is a single injection that should be given 2 to 3 weeks before you travel. Babies under a year old need 2 injections.

You should have the MenACWY vaccine before travelling to high-risk areas, even if you had the meningitis C vaccine as a child.

Read more about the meningococcal meningitis vaccines .

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination

The MMR vaccine that protects against measles , mumps and rubella is routinely given to all children in the UK.

You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including MMR, before travelling.

If you haven't been fully vaccinated against these conditions or you're not already immune, you should ask about MMR vaccination before you travel.

The MMR vaccine is given as 2 injections. These are usually given when a child is 3 years and 4 months old.

But if vaccination has been missed previously, adults can have the doses 1 month apart, and children can have them 3 months apart if necessary.

Polio vaccination

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK.

Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you're going to visit parts of the world where polio is, or has recently been, present and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago.

Currently the condition is most common in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but it's also a risk in other regions of the world.

Read more about the Td/IPV (3-in-1) vaccine .

Rabies vaccination

Vaccination against rabies is advised if you're travelling to an area where you could get rabies, particularly if:

you're staying for a month or more
there's unlikely to be quick access to appropriate medical care
you plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to rabies, such as cycling or running

Rabies can be found in many parts of the world. GOV.UK provides a detailed list of countries that have rabies in domestic animals or wildlife .

Vaccination involves a course of 3 injections before you travel, usually given over a period of 28 days.

If you're bitten, licked or scratched by an animal in a country where rabies is a problem, further doses of rabies vaccine (with or without a special anti-rabies injection given around the wound) may be required as emergency treatment.

Find out more about the rabies vaccine

GOV.UK: Rabies risks for travellers

Tetanus vaccination

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK.

Further booster doses are usually only recommended if:

you're travelling to areas where access to medical services is likely to be limited and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago
you've not had two booster doses

Read more about the Td/IPV (3-in-1) vaccine .

Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is usually recommended for anyone who plans to live or work in a high-risk area, or hike and camp in these areas during late spring or summer.

The ticks that cause TBE are mainly found in forested areas of central, eastern and northern Europe, although at-risk areas also include eastern Russia and some countries in east Asia, including some regions of China and Japan.

The vaccination requires a course of 3 injections for full protection. The second dose is given 1 to 3 months after the first and provides immunity for about a year.

A third dose, given 5 to 12 months after the second, provides immunity for up to 3 years.

The course can sometimes be accelerated if necessary. This involves 2 doses being given 2 weeks apart.

Booster doses of the vaccine are recommended every 3 years, if necessary.

Tuberculosis (TB) vaccination

The BCG vaccine (which stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine) protects against tuberculosis , which is also known as TB.

The BCG vaccine isn't given as part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule. It's given on the NHS only when a child or adult is thought to have an increased risk of coming into contact with TB.

When preparing for travel abroad, the BCG vaccine is recommended for any unvaccinated people under 16 who'll be living or working with friends, family or local people for more than 3 months in a country where TB is common or the risk of multi-drug resistant TB is high.

The BCG vaccine is given as a single injection.

Areas of the world where the risk of TB is high enough to recommend BCG vaccination for previously unvaccinated travellers include:

parts of South and Southeast Asia

Typhoid vaccination

Vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended if you're travelling to parts of the world where the condition is common, particularly if you'll:

have frequent or prolonged exposure to conditions where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor
be staying or working with local people

High-risk areas include:

parts of South and Central America

Two main vaccines are available for typhoid fever in the UK. One is given as a single injection, and the other is given as 3 capsules to take on alternate days.

It's also possible to have a combined hepatitis A and typhoid jab.

Ideally, the typhoid vaccine should be given at least 1 month before you travel, but it can be given closer to your travel date if necessary.

Booster vaccinations are recommended every 3 years if you continue to be at risk of infection.

Yellow fever vaccination

Vaccination against yellow fever is advised if you're travelling to areas where there's a risk of getting yellow fever.

Some countries require a proof of vaccination certificate before they let you enter the country.

Yellow fever occurs in some areas of tropical Africa and Central and South America. More information about yellow fever and areas where it's found is available on Travel Health Pro .

A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is thought to provide lifelong protection. For most people, a booster dose is no longer recommended.

You must have a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before you travel. You will also need to complete a yellow fever vaccination checklist to make sure you can have the vaccine.

Find out more about the yellow fever vaccination checklist on the Travel Health Pro website

You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis when you have the vaccine. This certificate is valid for life.

Some people cannot have the yellow fever vaccine.

Read more about the yellow fever vaccine and who can have it .

When to get further advice

Speak to your GP before having any vaccinations if:

you're planning to get pregnant
you're pregnant
you're breastfeeding
you have an immune deficiency
you have any allergies

Page last reviewed: 16 March 2023 Next review due: 16 March 2026

Health Boards
NHS 111 Wales

Travel Vaccinations

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some vaccines, such as Hepatitis and Yellow Fever vaccinations, involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

Travel Health Pro
NHS Fit for Travel

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

Firstly, complete this online form and return it the GP practice to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date. We will check your previous record of vaccinations, and advise whether further vaccines are required for protection based on your travel destination. The GP's travel nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS , even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area. The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS if your GP practice is signed up to provide vaccination (immunisation) services.

polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

If you require vaccinations that are private , such as Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines, you can try a:

private travel vaccination clinic eg. NOMAD travel clinic
pharmacy offering travel healthcare services (such as Boots , Superdrug etc.)

There will be a cost for private vaccinations and treatment, and this can vary depending on the service that you access. You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
meningitis vaccines
tick-borne encephalitis
tuberculosis (TB)
yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres .

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

For more information visit www.nathnac.org , or phone NHS 111.

Travel Vaccinations

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever , typhoid and hepatitis A .

In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you’re due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you’re:

travelling in rural areas
backpacking
staying in hostels or camping
on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you’ll be visiting on these websites:

Travel Health Pro
NHS Fit for Travel

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Even if an ICVP is not required, it’s still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of your vaccinations, let the GP know what you have had previously.

You should also ask if the GP practice is signed up to provide free NHS vaccinations for travel, as not all GP practices are.

If the GP practice does not provide NHS vaccinations for travel, you can try a:

private travel vaccination clinic
pharmacy offering travel healthcare services

The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they’re recommended for travel to a certain area.

If the GP practice is signed up to provide NHS travel vaccines, these can be provided to you free of charge.

Other non-NHS travel vaccines may be charged for by the GP.

If the GP practice can give you the travel vaccines you need but they are not available on the NHS, ask for:

written information on what vaccines are needed
the cost of each dose or course
any other charges you may have to pay, such as for some certificates of vaccination

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS if your GP practice is signed up to provide vaccination (immunisation) services.

polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

You’ll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
meningitis vaccines
tick-borne encephalitis
tuberculosis (TB)
yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres .

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

It’s worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you’re only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you’re unlikely to need any vaccinations.

But it’s important to check that you’re up-to-date with routine vaccinations available on the NHS.

Speak to a GP before having any vaccinations if:

you’re pregnant
you think you might be pregnant
you’re breastfeeding

In many cases, it’s unlikely a vaccine given while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby.

But the GP will be able to give you further advice about this.

For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised.

This may be the case if:

you have a condition that affects your body’s immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
you’re receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
you have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant

A GP can give you further advice about this.

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it’s also a good opportunity to make sure your other UK vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster vaccines if necessary.

People in certain risk groups may be offered extra vaccines.

These include vaccinations against diseases such as:

Read more information on NHS vaccines for adults and children to find out whether you should have any.

Travel Advice and Vaccines

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever , typhoid and hepatitis A .

In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you’re due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you’re:

– travelling in rural areas – backpacking – staying in hostels or camping – on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you’ll be visiting on these websites:

Travel Health Pro

NHS Fit for Travel

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Even if an ICVP is not required, it’s still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

You may need COVID-19 vaccinations to travel abroad.

Check the foreign travel advice on GOV.UK to find out the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting.

Find out more about the NHS COVID Pass for travel.

First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of your vaccinations, let the GP know what you have had previously.

The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they’re recommended for travel to a certain area.

If the GP practice can give you the travel vaccines you need but they are not available on the NHS, ask for:

– written information on what vaccines are needed – the cost of each dose or course – any other charges you may have to pay, such as for some certificates of vaccination

You can also get travel vaccines from:

– private travel vaccination clinics – pharmacies offering travel healthcare services

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )

hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

Travel health advice and travel vaccinations

You should make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment if you’re travelling abroad and think you need:

a malaria risk assessment
further advice

A travel health professional will take you through your travel health risk assessment.

Your GP is no longer your point of contact for a travel health risk assessment, including travel vaccines.

NHS travel health service

NHS Scotland provides a travel health service that includes some free vaccines.

To find information on how to make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment in Scotland, contact the NHS health board where you live.

Private travel clinics

You can also visit an independent (private) travel clinic for:

a travel health risk assessment
travel advice
other travel vaccines

You should arrange a travel health risk assessment 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. This gives time for any vaccines you need to become fully effective.

If your trip is sooner, remember it’s never too late to get advice.

Travel health risk assessment

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, your travel health needs will depend on your individual situation. This includes:

your destination
how long you’ll stay
what you’ll be doing
your general health

The fitfortravel website provides country-specific advice on:

recommended vaccines
other risk prevention advice

If you think you need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional.

A travel health risk assessment is also recommended for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets aren’t required. This includes:

older people
those with a weakened immune system
those with long-term conditions that need medications
pregnant women

Travel vaccines

The following travel vaccines are free on the NHS in Scotland:

diphtheria, polio and tetanus (combined booster)
hepatitis A

It’s likely that you’ll have to pay for vaccines against:

yellow fever
Japanese encephalitis
tick-borne encephalitis

You may also have to pay for the following vaccines if they’re only needed for travel purposes:

hepatitis B
tuberculosis (TB)

Proof of vaccination

To enter some countries you may need proof that you have had particular vaccines. This includes the yellow fever vaccine.

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. To find out if you need a yellow fever vaccine or proof of the vaccine, you should contact a yellow fever clinic.

To request a list of any other vaccines held on your GP record, contact your GP practice. GP practices cannot provide proof of COVID vaccine.

Preventing risk while travelling

Vaccines or anti-malarial tablets will not protect against all travel health risks. This means you’ll need to take extra steps to protect your health whilst travelling abroad.

The fitfortravel website has further advice on preventing health risks whilst travelling. This includes information on:

general travel advice
disease prevention

Travelling abroad to visit friends and relatives

If you’re travelling abroad to visit friends or relatives, you may be at higher risk of developing travel-related illnesses. For example, malaria or typhoid. This could be because:

you may be living with the local community
your trip might be longer than the average holiday
you might be visiting more rural areas where it’s difficult to take precautions that reduce your risk

The fitfortravel website provides information and advice on visiting friends and family abroad .

Travel safety advice

You can find country-specific safety and security advice through the UK government website .

Travel insurance advice

Many countries don’t have the same access to medical treatments as the UK and can be expensive.

It’s recommended that all travellers get comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

When you return home

If you become unwell and/or develop a fever when you return home, it’s important to get medical advice as soon as possible. You should seek medical help even if it’s up to 1 month after you’ve been travelling.

Always make sure you tell the health professional that you’ve recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk.

Donating blood after travelling abroad

Travel outside the UK can affect whether you can give blood donations. This is because some infections may be caught abroad. This is usually through mosquito or other insect bites.

There are conditions for donating blood if you’ve been to certain countries. This can depend on your length of stay and some other factors.

Further information on donating blood after travelling abroad

Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 01 March 2024

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Who it is for: People traveling to places where typhoid fever and salmonella is common, such as South Asia, especially India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh

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Who it is for: For travel to parts of Africa and Saudi Arabia to immunise against meningococcal disease, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Required vaccination for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.

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Who it is for: Travellers who are travelling to or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission

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Who it is for: People who has been in physical contact with soil or manure, and got an open wound or cut in the skin, or those whose tetanus vaccinations are not up-to-date

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When should I get vaccinated before my trip?

Your immunity may take around 2 weeks to develop, after you have completed your vaccinations. Ideally, you should book your appointment between 4 — 6 weeks before your departure.

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Travel vaccinations

How to find out what vaccinations you’ll need when travelling abroad.

Vaccination (Sub-topic)

In the UK, the NHS routine vaccination schedule protects you against a number of diseases. However, this does not cover all infectious diseases found overseas.

If you are planning to travel outside the UK, you should consider whether you need additional vaccinations. These will depend on the areas you will be visiting. You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended on these websites:

Travel Health Pro
NHS Fit for Travel

From the 1 st October 2023, you can get the following travel vaccinations for free with the NHS. Ask your GP practice for details:

hepatitis A

Some travel vaccinations are only available privately. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise you on the cost for these. If your GP practice does not provide the travel vaccinations you need, contact a:

private travel vaccination clinic
pharmacy offering travel healthcare services

You can find further information on NHS 111 Wales .

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Immunizations - travel: Scenario: Initial assessment and advice

Last revised in July 2023

Covers the initial assessment of a person travelling to a region where vaccines may be required, and information about further sources of advice.

Scenario: Initial assessment and advice

From birth onwards.

General overseas travel advice

Reassure the person that the overall risk of contracting infectious diseases from abroad is very low if precautions are taken.

Routine vaccinations should be up to date, as many of these are required for overseas travel.
The region visited — the risk may vary from country to country, and prevalence may vary within countries.
The length of stay — the longer the stay, the greater the risk of exposure.
The time of stay — some diseases are more prevalent at certain times of the year (e.g. the rainy season).
The type of holiday or work — in general, people are more at risk in rural areas than in urbanized or developed areas. Hence backpacking may be more dangerous than a package holiday, and work in rural or wild areas is often particularly high risk.
The age and health of the traveller — some people may be more susceptible to infections.
Travellers' diarrhoea may occur in up to 50% of visitors abroad and can generally be prevented by avoiding contaminated food and drink. For more information see the CKS topic on Diarrhoea - prevention and advice for travellers for more information.
Malaria is one of the more common serious acute infectious diseases that is contracted abroad and can be prevented with appropriate chemoprophylaxis. See the CKS topic on Malaria prophylaxis for more information.
Zika virus is spread by day-biting mosquitos, is present in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and can pose a risk to a developing baby if contracted during pregnancy. The risk of Zika virus can be reduced by using insect bite avoidance measures. For further information see the TravelHealthPro website.
Sexually transmitted infections are commonly contracted abroad. Some areas, such as Thailand, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, are endemic with HIV.
Parasitic infestation (such as onchocerciasis, loiasis, schistosomiasis) may present long after the person has returned. Schistosomiasis may also present acutely a few weeks or months after exposure, but presentation can be delayed for much longer.
Inform the person that health provision in developing countries may be inadequate or difficult to access. Travel insurance is essential.

Basis for recommendation

The recommended general travel advice is derived from the Department of Health publication Immunisation against infectious disease (The Green Book) [ PHE, 2021 ] and extrapolated from country-specific information provided by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the Travel HealthPro website ( www.travelhealthpro.org.uk ) [ NaTHNaC, 2021a ].

Information sources for overseas travel

This CKS topic gives a summary of advice for the immunization of overseas travellers, but it is not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive. In addition, although the guidance in this CKS topic is correct at the time of writing, prevalence of infectious diseases abroad, and guidelines for travel immunization can change quickly. If in any doubt, further advice should be obtained. Table 2 gives information on the main sources of up-to-date advice available in the UK.

Table 2 . The main UK sources of information on the current recommendations for travel immunization.

The content on the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries site (CKS) is the copyright of Clarity Informatics Limited (trading as Agilio Software Primary Care) . By using CKS, you agree to the licence set out in the CKS End User Licence Agreement .

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Travel vaccinations

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Vaccination is a way to protect yourself against certain infections.
Travelling can expose you to serious diseases that rarely occur in Australia.
You can protect yourself by becoming vaccinated against diseases that are more common overseas.
Vaccines are usually very safe with only minor side effects.
Visit your doctor 6 to 12 weeks before you travel, so you can have any vaccines you might need.

What is vaccination?

Vaccination helps keeps you safe from certain infections. Vaccines contain tiny amounts of dead or weakened viruses, bacteria, or other substances that help your immune system prepare to fight a future infection. Vaccination is safe, effective and especially important when travelling.

Why should I get vaccinated before I travel?

Many infectious diseases are uncommon in Australia, due to widespread vaccination and other public health measures. This is not the case in many other countries.

Travelling can make it more likely for you to catch infectious diseases that are very rare in Australia.

These infections can cause serious illness, even in people who are usually fit and healthy. Sometimes they can be life-threatening. If you return to Australia with an infectious disease, you may also put other people at risk.

People who are pregnant , babies and young children , older people and people with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of infection when travelling. For these people, getting vaccinated before travelling is even more important.

Some countries require you to be vaccinated against certain diseases before you can visit. If you do not have the required vaccinations, they may refuse your entry, or require you to have the vaccination(s) at the border. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines or boosters you may need before you travel.

A small tile image of an infographic which covers Healthy holiday tips

Which vaccines do I need before travel?

Health risks vary from one region to another. Over time new outbreaks may occur and new vaccines may become available.

If it has been a while since your last vaccinations, you may need boosters. That is why it is important that you visit your doctor well before your trip to discuss vaccination.

Your doctor will consider factors such as:

your vaccination history
whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
any past or present illnesses, and your general health
the season of travel
your destination(s), length of stay and type of travel

It is important to keep up to date with your vaccinations for diseases including:

measles , mumps , rubella
influenza (flu)
chickenpox (varicella)
polio (poliomyelitis)
diphtheria , tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis)

You may also need one or more vaccines for diseases such as:

hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B
yellow fever
tuberculosis (TB)
meningococcal disease
Japanese encephalitis

There may be other infections, unique to countries or regions, that are not covered in this list. Your doctor can advise you of any other vaccinations you may need before you travel.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, vaccine clinics and other health services.

How long before I travel should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor at least 6 weeks (and preferably 12 weeks) before you leave Australia. This will give your immune system time to respond to any vaccines you need. Also, you may need more than one dose of some vaccines.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

What if I have been vaccinated against these diseases in the past?

You should still check with your doctor if you need any vaccinations for travel. Even if you have been vaccinated before, your immunity to some diseases reduces with time and you may need a booster.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines used in Australia are approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration after a careful safety testing process. Overall, the chance that a vaccine will cause serious harm is extremely small. Being vaccinated is far less risky than the risk of getting a disease because you were not vaccinated.

If you have a weakened immune system due to certain diseases or medicines, ask your doctor how this affects your vaccination schedule. Your doctor will review your general health and ask you about any medicines you take to make sure vaccination is safe for you.

Rarely, a person may develop an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Always let your doctor know if you have any allergies or if you have reacted to a vaccine in the past. This will help them advise whether a particular vaccine is suitable for you.

What are the side effects of vaccinations?

All medicines, including vaccines, may have side effects. In the case of vaccines, side effects are very minor and usually go away within a few days. Common side effects are:

redness, pain and tenderness at the site of an injection
headache , nausea or tiredness

If you are concerned that you have side effects related to a vaccine, see your doctor. You can also report and discuss possible side effects by calling the Adverse Medicines Events (AME) Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE).

How much do vaccinations in Australia cost?

The cost of vaccinations in Australia depends on the vaccination. Many vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) which you have access to if you have Medicare .

Some travel vaccines may not be covered by the NIP, and you will need to buy them. You can check costs with your doctor. Ask your doctor if there is a fee for the consultation and vaccination service, as this can vary in different clinics.

What is the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)?

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records all vaccinations given to people in Australia. It helps you to track your immunisations. You can easily check your immunisation history by applying for a statement through your myGov account online or asking your doctor. If you have Medicare, you will automatically be added to the AIR when you receive any vaccines.

Resources and support

For more information on travel health visit the Immunisation for travel page at the Department of Health .

For information about vaccine side effects and safety, visit:

NPS MedicineWise
Department of Health

To report or discuss possible side effects from vaccination, call Adverse Medicines Events (AME) on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE) from anywhere in Australia 9am–5pm AEST (except on NSW public holidays).

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content .

Last reviewed: November 2023

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Clinical Overview
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Polio Vaccination Before Traveling

Polio, also called poliomyelitis, has been eliminated from most of the world, but it still occurs in some countries.
Some travelers may be eligible for a one-time booster vaccine before traveling.
Check the recommendations and make sure you and your family, including children, are fully vaccinated before traveling internationally.

Vaccination for international travelers

People who plan to travel internationally should make sure they are fully vaccinated against polio before departure.

When visiting a country where there is increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, the government of that country may require you to show proof of polio vaccination on your yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) when departing that country.

Polio vaccination information for adults

Woman watching a movie on her laptop while traveling on a plane.

Adults who are unvaccinated against polio should complete a primary vaccination series of 3 doses:

The first dose at any time.
The second dose 1 to 2 months later.
A third dose 6 to 12 months after the second dose.

If an adult cannot complete the above series before traveling, an accelerated schedule (3 doses of IPV administered at least 4 weeks apart) is recommended.

Adults who are incompletely vaccinated (got only 1 or 2 doses of polio vaccine in the past) should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses of IPV (administered at least 4 weeks apart) before departure.

Adults who are fully vaccinated and who plan to travel to a country where there is an increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, may receive a one-time booster dose of IPV.

For more information on polio vaccine recommendations for travel, talk to your healthcare provider or visit Travelers' Health: Poliomyelitis .

Visit CDC's Travelers' Health Notices site to see the most current information about polio around the world and what special steps you need to take to protect yourself or a loved one from polio while traveling.

Polio vaccination information for infants and children

Happy toddlers playing a group on a mat.

CDC recommends that all infants and children in the United States are vaccinated against polio with 4 doses of IPV given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years.

Keep in mind‎

If a child cannot complete the routine series before departure, an accelerated schedule is recommended as follows:

First dose at age 6 weeks or older.
A second dose 4 or more weeks after the first dose.
A third dose 4 or more weeks after the second dose.
A fourth dose 6 or more months after the third dose.

If the accelerated schedule cannot be completed before leaving, the remaining doses should be given in the visited country, or upon return home, at the intervals recommended in the accelerated schedule.

In addition, children completing the accelerated schedule should still receive a dose of IPV at 4 years old or older, as long as it has been at least 6 months after the previous dose.

More information about polio vaccination

Review these pages for more information about polio and polio vaccination:

Polio Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
Polio Vaccines for Children
Polio Vaccine Information Statement

Polio was once one of the most feared diseases in the United States. Thanks to the polio vaccine, wild poliovirus has been eliminated in this country.

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International travel: Don't forget your child's vaccinations, says pediatrician

by Ernie Mundell

Exploring Europe, taking an African safari, going on a trip to the tropics: In many cases, vaccines are needed for travel, and that's doubly true for children.

According to pediatrician Dr. Lauren Nguyen, researching what vaccines are needed and preparing well before your family's departure is crucial.

"I tell my families that it's best to come in about six weeks prior to international travel," said Nguyen, who's based in Torrance, Calif. and is affiliated with the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Care Network.

Meet with your child's pediatrician to review travel plans, figure out what vaccines are required or recommended based on your travel destination and arrange to get any shots needed. That consultation is probably best done with an in-person visit, not a phone call, Nguyen noted.

Not sure what shots the country you're visiting requires? Head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travelers' Health website for up to date info for countries worldwide.

"The CDC website tells you about any current outbreaks, as well as the recommended vaccines for that country," Nguyen said in a hospital news release.

Besides any special vaccines required by the country you're visiting, make sure your child is up to date on routine shots for seasonal infections like COVID, flu and RSV.

Planning ahead is crucial because many vaccines require multiple doses given weeks apart, Nguyen noted. Pediatricians may also not have large supplies of vaccines for diseases like yellow fever or typhoid, and may need time to order them.

Then there's time needed for vaccines to give your child's immune system a full boost. "It takes about two to four weeks to respond to the vaccine and develop the antibodies," Nguyen explained.

And it's not just about needles: Daily dose malaria pills, for example, need to be started up to two weeks before departure, taken the entire period that you're in a malaria zone, and then taken for a month after you return home.

Vaccine schedules also vary by age, Ngyuen noted. Measles outbreaks are occuring worldwide with greater frequency, and measles vaccine recommendations are different for babies versus older children .

Children typically wait to get the first dose of the measles vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

However, for infants "that changes for international travel," Nguyen said. "Children between 6 and 12 months of age should get a first dose of the measles vaccine prior to travel." That first dose should still be followed up by a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6, she added.

Hepatitis A is typically contracted through contaminated water or food. Again, routine vaccination recommendations suggest that a child get their first hep A shot between 12 and 23 months of age.

However, "infants 6 to 11 months old should be vaccinated when protection against hepatitis A is recommended for the destination," Nguyen said. And if your baby is very young—under 2 months of age—you probably shouldn't travel internationally unless it's absolutely necessary, she added.

Another key shot is the meningitis A (MenACWY) vaccine. It's easily transmitted and Nguyen suggests that kids be vaccinated against meningitis A before travel, especially when people are circulating in close quarters, such as on cruise ships .

Kids ages 16 and older should also be immunized against the meningitis B vaccine.

Cruise ships can be hotbeds of infection, so don't forget vaccinations even if you aren't docking at exotic locales.

"The people you'll be on the ship with might have been vacationing all over the world," she explained. "Vaccines can protect your children from a wide range of illnesses these passengers might bring on board."

Besides shots and pills, you can take other steps to keep you and your family safe while abroad. According to Nguyen, these include bringing:

Insect repellent
Children's acetaminophen, ibuprofen and Benadryl
Hydrocortisone cream
Electrolyte-replacement powder (like Pedialyte), to help curb dehydration
Your health insurance card

Last but not least, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance so you can access care should any health emergencies arise.

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Vaccinating Moscow

Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is one of three vaccines now available domestically to the Russian public.

Haley Bader, REECA A.M. ’20, reports on incentives and barriers to fighting COVID-19 in the Russian capital.

Vaccinated several months after its release , Russian President Vladimir Putin likened the efficacy of Sputnik V to one of the deadliest weapons of the 20 th century: “ Simple and reliable, like a Kalashnikov assault rifle .”

But even Putin’s endorsement has not been sufficient to encourage wider vaccination in Russia. In April, the Levada Center polled Russians to determine attitudes toward vaccination, and found that “62 percent did not intend to get a Russian-made vaccine, all that is available in Russia .”

Some wanted to wait to see how their friends fared first; others feared side effects. Since at least September, the rate of those fully vaccinated in Russia has stalled at approximately 35% of the population, according to Our World in Data .

The Sputnik V vaccine was released before any other COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020 . While Russia did not complete clinical trials before its release, the British scientific journal Nature reported in July 2021 that evidence suggests Sputnik V is both safe and effective.

On June 8, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin required that the city’s residents present a QR Code affirming vaccination, a negative PCR test, or recent recovery from Coronavirus when dining out. Sobyanin wrote to Moscow citizens on June 16, emphasizing that vaccination is not simply a “personal matter,” but an effort to break the “chain for the distribution of a dangerous virus.”

Moscow’s Push to Vaccinate

Moscow, with over 20 million residents in the metropolitan area, has flooded public spaces with vaccination centers. Free vaccines are in government buildings and all the city’s clinics, said Anton Beketov, a 27-year-old programmer who lives in Moscow.

The Moscow government has used incentives to get people vaccinated. In June , Sobyanin announced that residents in Moscow city limits would be entered into a raffle for a free car if vaccinated between June 14 and July 11. The Governor of Moscow Oblast Andrei Vorobyov declared that Russians vaccinated between June 15 and 25 would be eligible to win an apartment.

Public advertisements are another aspect of the city’s vaccination push. Anton Zagrivin, a 22-year-old student of mathematics in Moscow, explained that vaccination is promoted on audio systems in Moscow’s metro, streets, and business centers with messages such as “You need to get vaccinated, it is necessary, it will save millions of lives…”

In a report from Vashi Novosti , one Russian described waiting in line at the grocery store and being bombarded with an interminable, looping 15-second explanation of why one should be vaccinated.

While some campaign messages are neutral, others are shocking. There are massive banners across Moscow that Zagrivin considers “radical.” “Enough with being afraid, get vaccinated!” In Russian, he explained, the message “was directly addressed” to the citizen, constructed in a way that was “personal” rather than using formal language.

Nadia Volovich, a 26-year-old Moscow resident who works as a product manager, found vaccination advertisements to be extreme. One sign asked, “How many people should die for you to get vaccinated?”

COVID-19 vaccination signs and advertising in GUM department store (Moscow, Russia). The capital is flooded with vaccination centers.

Not up to Code

After just over a month, Sobyanin scrapped QR code controls in late July.

According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace , the government rescinded the measures in part due to technology failures, and also likely because the new requirements prompted some Russians, not eager to leave jobs or forfeit leisure activities, to seek false vaccine records on the black market .

However, Anton Beketov believes the Moscow QR Code requirements were used to encourage mass and fast vaccination. He found the move to cancel the requirements “rather ironic.” The measure lasted just long enough for some residents to get vaccinated with a first dose so they could go sit in cafes or restaurants but did not necessarily leave enough time to encourage people to get the second shot, Beketov said. Sputnik V, for example, needs at least three weeks between doses.

Similar to Beketov, Anton Zagrivin was confused when Sobyanin retracted QR code requirements and believes it happened too quickly.

While people may not have wanted a shot or believed in its efficacy, Zagrivin said, they went anyway to ensure they could continue living a less restricted life in the city. Once the Moscow government canceled the QR code requirement, however, many people threw up their hands: “Well, what to do? That’s it. We’ve defeated the Coronavirus…”

The QR code reversal and subsequent reactions represent a greater problem across Russia: people simply do not want to be vaccinated.

The Vaccine

There are currently two other Russian vaccines available to the public, CoviVak and EpiVak, both created with technologies different from Sputnik V. Only Russian-made vaccinations are registered and being administered in the Federation, but Russia’s are not approved by the World Health Organization or European Union .

Beketov explained that there were Telegram channels that posted the numbers of certain types of vaccines in clinics across Moscow so individuals could choose which they would receive. Beketov does not know many people who are confident in EpiVac but confirmed that many others have been interested in receiving CoviVak.

Usually, those who want CoviVak are older, he said. Some believe that they might experience fewer negative side effects than with Sputnik V, and they also think it was created with better technology because “they could spend more time [developing] it.”

Volovich knows some people who chose the one that “doesn’t work” with the logic that “it will get me the QR code, and it is better than getting Sputnik, which works, because if it doesn’t work it won’t do anything to me.”

The Influence of Information

Vaccination hesitancy is in part an issue of distrust. Russian citizens have been bombarded with conflicting messages about Western and Eastern jabs, and this has led them to questionable sources in their search for reliable information.

In July, Russian television personality Vasilisa Volodina, host of the show “Let’s Get Married!” on Russia’s Channel One, began uploading recommendations to her Instagram account for when people of certain birthdates should be vaccinated. After she was barraged with requests for more guidance, Volodina began offering personalized vaccination charts that might help people avoid negative side effects of the vaccines.

Nadia Volovich noted that one reason Russians lack trust in the government’s COVID-19 response is because it has a history of presenting unreliable information to the public. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace , the Russian government may have created further vaccine controversy through information campaigns that doubted Western-made shots. "Russian disparagement of other vaccines… has enhanced overall skepticism toward vaccination in general, with Russians often expressing hesitancy to receive any shot, not just Sputnik V,” the think tank reported.

On June 18, Russian publication Novaya Gazeta reported that people have asked to have one vaccine, but then are unknowingly given another. Beketov said it was “wild to hear” that a friend of his father received a first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine but was given EpiVak for his second shot without his consent. “I was worried,” he said.

When such stories make it through the rumor mill, word moves quickly—another barrier to vaccination.

Where to from Here?

Moscow authorities gave a vaccination push another go in October, offering pensioners 10,000 Rubles (approximately $140 USD) to get two doses by the end of the year. Elderly Muscovites are also eligible for the cash payout if they get a booster shot, and all will still receive gift sets that were offered previously. However, while this targets a vital group, a campaign like this has little potential to go much further with the population.

Volovich believes that Russian vaccines offered now are still too shrouded in doubt for many people to opt into non-compulsory vaccination, though there is hope that introducing Western options will increase rates.

Because Sputnik V is still not registered with the World Health Organization, which limits mobility for those with the Russian shot, the population may be more likely to accept a Western vaccine so they can travel outside of their country. By October, hundreds of Russians had flocked to Serbia to receive Western vaccines; at the time, they could also be vaccinated in Germany. Now Russians can go to Serbia, Germany, Croatia, or Greece to be vaccinated or receive a booster shot .

As tides of uncertainty continue to sweep Russia, there is still room for change. QR codes, for example, might be making a comeback. On November 12, the Russian government proposed legislation that would mandate QR codes for all citizens to use trains, airplanes, to gather in public places such as restaurants, and to attend mass events.

On September 30 , Russia finally completed the phase three trials for Sputnik V, and on October 7, Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriyev announced that the WHO would send a delegation to Russia to commence the approval process for the vaccine in October.

Unfortunately, the European Union has since pushed the approval process back to 2022 , another potential blow to stabilizing COVID-19 rates in the Federation. Another spike in cases and new partial lockdown of Moscow, a non-working period where residents were still allowed to roam the city between October 28 and November 7, quickly followed the delay.

Haley Bader

Digital Editor, Russian Life

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Russia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Russia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Russia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Russia.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Russia, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found.

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil
Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Tick bite
Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Russia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Russia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Russia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Russia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Russia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Russia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Russia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Nations weigh mandates and incentives to drive up vaccination rates.

While some parts of the world have used lures such as free lottery tickets to lift inoculation rates, officials in a few places may go straight to requiring shots.

Share full article

By Azi Paybarah

June 17, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed economic and social fault lines around the globe, but Covid-19 vaccines have made the divides even starker: While some poor countries are pleading for doses to save their people, a few rich ones are awash in shots and lacking takers.

A handful of U.S. states, for example, have tried incentives to get more people vaccinated . But in Moscow, as Covid hospitalizations surged this week, the city government took a harder line, mandating vaccinations for many workers in public-facing jobs.

Some other governments have also attempted to require vaccines. A province in Pakistan has said it will stop paying the salaries of civil servants who are not inoculated, starting next month. And Britain, which is seeing a surge attributed to the spread of the Delta variant of the virus, is weighing whether to make shots obligatory for all health care workers.

The Moscow Times quoted the city’s mayor, Sergei S. Sobyanin, as saying on Wednesday, “When you go out and come into contact with other people, you are an accomplice of the epidemiological process — a chain in the link spreading this dangerous virus.” The mandate he announced focuses on the education, entertainment, health care, and hospitality sectors and will continue until at least 60 percent of employees have been vaccinated, the newspaper reported.

In Britain, officials said that requiring health care workers to be vaccinated would help stop the spread of the virus in hospitals. Nadhim Zahawi, the British vaccine minister, said that there was a precedent for such a requirement. “Obviously, surgeons get vaccinated for hepatitis B, so it’s something that we are absolutely thinking about,” he told Sky News last month .

Many universities in the United States now require at least some students and employees to be vaccinated. Earlier this week, the University of California system said it will make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for all faculty, staff and students this fall, including the university’s health system .

Federal officials have repeatedly made clear that most companies with at least 15 employees have the right to require that workers are inoculated .

But vaccine requirements continue to face resistance from some.

In 15 American states , not a single college had announced any type of vaccine requirement as of last month. Days ago, 178 employees of Houston Methodist Hospital who refused to get a coronavirus shot were suspended . And on Saturday, protesters are expected at the offices of the New York State Bar Association in Albany, where officials will be discussing a report that recommends mandating a coronavirus vaccine for all New Yorkers, unless they are exempted by doctors.

But for the undecided who are open to persuasion, incentives to get the vaccine remain common: There are lotteries in California , college scholarships in New York State and free drinks in New Jersey .

The giveaways have spurred some to action. This week, both New York and California announced that they were lifting virtually all coronavirus restrictions on businesses and social gatherings.

Azi Paybarah is a reporter covering breaking news, based in New York. Before joining The Times in 2018 he covered politics for WNYC and The New York Observer. He helped launch the website that later became Politico New York and co-founded the FAQ NYC podcast. He is a lifelong New Yorker and graduate of the University at Albany. More about Azi Paybarah

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Covid-19: What do we...

Covid-19: What do we know about Sputnik V and other Russian vaccines?

Read our latest coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.

Related content
Peer review
Chris Baraniuk
Belfast, UK
chrisbaraniuk{at}gmail.com

In August 2020, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin surprised the world by approving its first domestically developed covid-19 vaccine, before phase III clinical trials had even begun. Chris Baraniuk reviews what we know—and don’t

What is Sputnik V?

Russia’s first approved vaccine was developed and produced entirely domestically and has a name intentionally invoking the space race of the 1950s. By the time the World Health Organization declared covid-19 a pandemic, in early March 2020, the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow was already working on a prototype of Sputnik V, funded by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

Gamaleya researchers used common cold viruses in their vaccine prototype. Notably, they opted for two different adenovirus vectors (rAd26 and rAd5) delivered separately in a first and second dose, 21 days apart. 1 Using the same adenovirus for the two doses could lead to the body developing an immune response against the vector and destroying it when the second dose is administered. Two different vectors reduces the chance of this.

To make the vaccine, the adenoviruses are combined with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which prompts the body to make an immune response to it.

Is Sputnik V safe and effective?

Phase I and II results, on 76 participants of an open, non-randomised trial, were published in the Lancet in September. 2 According to the paper, all participants developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. No serious adverse events were detected. Most adverse effects were mild, with just over half experiencing pain at the injection site, for example.

Interim phase III data were published in early February 2021. 3 The randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial included nearly 22 000 adults aged 18 years or older recruited through 25 hospitals and clinics in Moscow between 7 September and 24 November 2020. Each participant received either two doses of the vaccine, or a placebo, which were administered 21 days apart.

Interim results (based on data so far from 14 964 participants in the vaccine group and 4902 in the placebo group) indicate that the vaccine is 91.6% effective, based on its ability to prevent symptomatic infection. There were no cases of moderate or severe covid-19 in the vaccinated group at least 21 days following the first dose. Some 94% of reported side effects were very mild (grade 1). Four deaths recorded during the study were found not to be related to the vaccine.

Are scientists convinced?

Doubts were seeded when President Putin surprised the world by announcing Russian approval for emergency use of Sputnik V as early as August 2020, before phase I or II data had been published and before the phase III trial had begun.

The early approval, and Russia’s bombast around the vaccine, provoked scepticism among scientists. In September, an open letter co-signed by 30 scientists worldwide criticised inconsistencies in the phase I and II study paper. 4 The team behind Sputnik V dismissed the concerns in a letter published in the Lancet , 5 pointing out that some of the alleged irregularities—such as suspiciously similar antibody counts among participants—were likely coincidences partly caused by factors such as small sample size and the rounding of numbers in data points.

Phase III data have been met more warmly. Some commentators have pointed out that, for example, the primary outcome was reported unusually early, at 21 days following the first dose, rather than following the second dose—the original protocol for the trial has not been published so it is not possible to know whether this was decided before or during the trial. But others argue the phase III data published to date have vindicated Russia’s decision to go ahead with Sputnik V vaccinations.

How is Russia using the vaccine?

On 2 December, the same day the UK approved the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for use, Putin declared that mass vaccination using Sputnik V, provided free to citizens, was to begin within days.

In fact, administration of Sputnik V began even earlier—employees of Gamaleya were among the first people to receive prototype doses in the spring of 2020 before phase I and II trials took place in the summer. Putin revealed that one of his daughters had already had two doses of the vaccine. More than 2500 Russian soldiers have also received the jab. 6

The first members of the public to receive a dose of Sputnik V were school and healthcare workers who were offered appointments through an online booking system. However, drop-in hubs offering jabs to anyone, without an appointment, have also opened. One hub is at the GUM shopping centre in Moscow’s Red Square. People can queue for a vaccine dose and those who receive one get a free ice lolly. 7

As of 10 February, Russia had inoculated more than two million people with at least one dose of Sputnik V, according to health minister Mikhail Murashko. That’s nearly three vaccine doses per 100 people according to the latest available data 8 (as a comparison, the UK has administered nearly 10 times as many). The rollout may be hampered by scepticism about Sputnik V among the Russian public—an online survey of 1600 Russians conducted by the Moscow Times found that 60% were opposed to receiving it. 9 The swift approval has also prompted wariness among some Russian doctors. 10

What other countries are using Sputnik V?

Russia has gone to great lengths to promote Sputnik V beyond its borders in a vaccine diplomacy drive, promising that it will cost less than $10 (£7.2; €8.4) per dose for international buyers. 11

The RDIF says it has signed contracts with more than a dozen manufacturers in 10 countries to produce a total of 1.4 billion doses. At the time of writing, 29 countries besides Russia had approved Sputnik V for emergency use. 12 That includes Hungary, the only EU state to do so to date, although the European Medicines Agency (EMA) denied reports at the time that it was reviewing the vaccine (EU states are able to approve vaccines bilaterally for use). 13 The EMA later announced that a review of Sputnik V had begun. 14

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has publicly questioned why Russia is “offering theoretically millions and millions of doses while not sufficiently progressing in vaccinating their own people.” 15 Indeed, hundreds of thousands of doses have been shipped to several countries. Sputnik V has already been rolled out in Argentina 16 and Montenegro, according to reports. 17

In addition, the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca have launched a trial to be held in Russia assessing whether mixing doses of their vaccine and Sputnik V may yield any more benefits. 18

What other vaccines does Russia have?

Currently, no vaccine other than Sputnik V is publicly available in Russia.

The Russian government has, however, approved two other Russian developed vaccines for emergency use: EpiVacCorona, produced by the Vector Institute in Novosibirsk, and CoviVac, from the Chumakov Centre in St Petersburg, known for its collaboration with US scientist Albert Sabin on the polio vaccine during the cold war. 19 As with the approval of Sputnik V, both these vaccines have yet to begin large scale clinical trials.

EpiVacCorona uses no live virus and instead relies on synthetic peptide antigens, based on a selection of those found within SARS-CoV-2. Like recreating the spike protein, this approach uses fragments of the virus to prompt an immune response. 20

CoviVac incorporates an inactivated cold virus in “whole virion” technology, similar to the vaccine candidates developed by the Chinese company Sinovac and the Indian company Bharat Biotech. 21 This method may provoke a broader immune response that could protect against multiple variants (other vaccines have focused on just the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which can contain components specific to particular variants).

Scientists in Russia are also working on two versions of the initial Sputnik V vaccine 22 : one that needs to be stored at -18°C, freezer temperature, and another uses dried (lyophilised) material that can be stored at 2 to 8°C in a range of standard refrigerators, which would aid transport and distribution. Yet more versions of the vaccine are also in the works, including a single dose alternative. 23

Commissioned, peer reviewed.

Competing interests: I have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and have no relevant interests to declare.

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ's website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

Logunov DY ,
Dolzhikova IV ,
Gam-COVID-Vac Vaccine Trial Group
Shcheblyakov DV
↵ Bucci E. Note of concern. Cattivi Scienziati. September 2020. https://cattiviscienziati.com/2020/09/07/note-of-concern .
Tukhvatullin AI ,
↵ Russian military launches coronavirus vaccination campaign. Moscow Times. 27 November 2020. www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/11/27/russian-military-launches-coronavirus-vaccination-campaign-a72168 .
↵ Sherwin E. Russia: free mass coronavirus vaccinations and an ice pop to boot. Deutsche Welle. 11 February 2021. www.dw.com/en/russia-free-mass-coronavirus-vaccinations-and-an-ice-pop-to-boot/a-56532772 .
↵ Coronavirus (covid-19) vaccinations. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations .
↵ Most Russians still mistrust coronavirus vaccine: poll. Moscow Times . 15 January 2021. www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/01/15/most-russians-still-mistrust-coronavirus-vaccine-poll-a72619 .
↵ Russian doctors wary of rapidly approved covid-19 vaccine, survey shows. Reuters. 14 August 2020. www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-vaccine/russian-doctors-wary-of-rapidly-approved-covid-19-vaccine-survey-shows-idUSKCN25A1E1 .
↵ Press release: the cost of one dose of the Sputnik V vaccine will be less than $10 for international markets. Sputnik V. 24 November 2020. https://sputnikvaccine.com/newsroom/pressreleases/the-cost-of-one-dose-will-be-less-than-10-for-international-markets .
↵ Press release: Sputnik V authorized in Gabon. Sputnik V. 17 February 2021. https://sputnikvaccine.com/newsroom/pressreleases/sputnik-v-authorized-in-gabon .
↵ EMA. Clarification on Sputnik V vaccine in the EU approval process. 10 February 2021. www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/clarification-sputnik-v-vaccine-eu-approval-process .
↵ EMA. EMA starts rolling review of the Sputnik V covid-19 vaccine. 4 March 2021. www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-starts-rolling-review-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine .
Herszenhorn DM
↵ Pozzabon S. How Russian vaccine Sputnik V spread through Latin America. CNN. 17 February 2021. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/17/americas/russia-putin-sputnik-vaccine-latin-america-intl/index.html .
↵ Montenegro launches anti-covid vaccination with Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine. Russian News Agency. 21 February 2021. https://tass.com/society/1259199 .
↵ Press release: Developing versatile immunisation programmes against covid-19 through potential vaccine combinations. AstraZeneca. 11 December 2020. www.astrazeneca.com/content/astraz/media-centre/articles/2020/developing-versatile-immunisation-programmes-against-covid-19-through-potential-vaccine-combinations.html .
↵ Ivanova P. Russia approves its third covid-19 vaccine, CoviVac. Reuters. 20 February 2021. www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-vaccine/russia-approves-its-third-covid-19-vaccine-covivac-idUSKBN2AK07H .
↵ EpiVacCorona vaccine. 14 March 2021. www.precisionvaccinations.com/vaccines/epivaccorona-vaccine .
Thiagarajan K
↵ Ivanova P, Sagdiev R. Exclusive: Russia focuses on freeze dried vaccine doses as transport fix. Reuters. 16 November 2020. www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-russia-vaccine-transp-idUSKBN27W170 .
↵ Russia to try out “Sputnik-light” covid vaccine to make it go further. Reuters. 11 January 2021. www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-vaccine-idUSKBN29G17Y .

Election latest: Chancellor deletes pic of wife's ballot after people pointed out he'd broken election rules

Jeremy Hunt has deleted a photo of his wife's ballot from social media after it was pointed out he'd broken electoral rules. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has said the Tories are carrying out their own investigation into the betting scandal engulfing the party.

Monday 24 June 2024 17:00, UK

General Election 2024
Bulletin: What you need to know this evening
PM reveals Tories are investigating betting scandal
Farage attacks Johnson in defence of Ukraine war comments
Chancellor deletes pic of wife's ballot which broke electoral rules
Tories and Labour accused of 'conspiracy of silence' on tax
Sky to interview Northern Ireland political party leaders
Live reporting by Faith Ridler and (earlier) Tim Baker
Sam Coates: Tories braced for more names in betting scandal
Paul Kelso: Fiscal referee gives both main parties withering review

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Read more: Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Its 5pm - here's your teatime general election bulletin.

We're into the last full week of the election campaign, with just 10 days left until polling day - and things are heating up.

Here's a run down of everything you may have missed:

Rishi Sunak today said he is not being investigated by the Gambling Commission over the betting scandal;
He confirmed the Conservative Party is carrying out its own investigation - and will pass its findings on to the Gambling Commission ;
But the Liberal Democrats want the government ethics advisor to see if ministers placed bets.
Back with the Conservatives, and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has deleted an image of his wife's postal ballot that he uploaded to social media over the weekend after some pointed out he'd broken electoral rules;
In response, the Electoral Commission said: "Every voter has the right to vote in private. The secrecy of the ballot is fundamental to our voting process and is protected in law".
Meanwhile, economists have lambasted a "conspiracy of silence" from the main parties over their tax and spending plans - read more below:
Over to Labour, which has offered to meet Harry Potter author JK Rowling to provide her with "assurances" over the protection of women-only spaces;
And Lord Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, has said Nigel Farage is "not worth listening to about anything" - particularly relating to the war in Ukraine;
The Reform leader said last week the West had contributed to the invasion of Ukraine;
He has launched a blistering attack aimed at his one-time ally Boris Johnson - highlighting a front page showing Mr Johnson holding a similar stance on Russia back in 2016.

Still to come, from around 5.30pm we'll have updates from a voter Q&A event featuring Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, hosted by The Sun.

And our weeknight politics show Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge will be live on Sky News from 7pm…

The Democratic Unionists Party has today launched its Speaking Up For Northern Ireland manifesto.

Here is an outline of what the party has pledged in its 50-page policy document:

The DUP decries being left to "pick up the pieces" following the Northern Ireland Protocol treaty in the aftermath of Brexit;
The party said it did not agree with Rishi Sunak's Windsor Framework, and spent another year in negotiations with the government before taking the decision on balance to return to the Stormont Assembly;
The DUP said in the next parliament its representatives will press the government to ensure funding does not drop below the definition of assessed need in Northern Ireland, £124 for every £100 spent in England;
It will also campaign for baseline funding for the region to be increased proportionately by the same amount above need as the government applied to Wales with a new needs-based factor and 5% uplift;
The party reiterates its long-term call for the rate of corporation tax to be lowered in Northern Ireland to compete with the Republic of Ireland;
The manifesto calls for a "more agile and response migration system ", to help staff areas where there are labour shortages, particularly in the agri-food and hospitality sectors;
It pledges more defence spending in Northern Ireland as well as an increased RAF and Royal Navy presence in the region to "fortify the north-western naval and air patrol presence", arguing it would deter Russia's "attempts to target undersea infrastructure around the UK".

Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, has said Labour would meet Harry Potter author JK Rowling to provide her with "assurances" over the protection of women-only spaces.

The frontbencher made the offer after Rowling said Labour had "abandoned" her and others campaigning for women's rights.

The author, a former member of the Labour Party who has made donations in the past, said she would "struggle to support them" in next week's general election.

Rowling has been outspoken about the rights of biological women after condemning Scottish government proposals to introduce self-identification for transgender people.

Labour insist single-sex spaces will 'absolutely stay'

While gender recognition reforms were passed by Holyrood, the legislation was never implemented after being blocked by the UK government.

Now reports suggest a Labour government could make it easier for people to legally transition by removing the need for them to prove they have lived as their preferred gender for two years.

Ms Reeves, however, has insisted protection for single-sex spaces for women would "absolutely stay".

She said: "We're not going to be changing anything around biological sex. So the Equality Act stands and the protection of single sex spaces, based on biological sex will absolutely stay.

"Labour introduced the Equality Act it is very important to us and that protection for single sex spaces."

Regarding Rowling's comments, the shadow chancellor added: "We're really happy to talk to JK Rowling to give her assurances about that."

Away from the election campaign for a moment, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sent well wishes to Princess Anne after she sustained "minor injuries and a concussion" after an incident on Sunday evening.

It is understood emergency services were called to the scene of the incident on the Gatcombe Park estate, Gloucestershire, on Sunday, to treat injuries believed to have been caused by impact with a horse's head or leg.

The princess, 73, was then taken to Southmead Hospital for treatment, where the Olympic-medal winning horsewoman is expected to stay until later this week.

Mr Sunak said: "Everyone in the country is immensely fond of Her Royal Highness.

"We're all sending her our best wishes for a swift recovery."

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has deleted an image of his wife's postal ballot that he uploaded to social media over the weekend.

The chancellor posted a picture of his wife with a pen hovering over the box next to his name in the Godalming and Ash constituency he is contesting.

The caption read: "Marriage safe … got the wife's vote."

Social media users later pointed out it is illegal to show how someone has or intends to vote.

A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission said: "Every voter has the right to vote in private.

"The secrecy of the ballot is fundamental to our voting process and is protected in law.

"The law allows a postal voter to take a picture of their own postal ballot paper and publicise it (including via social media).

"It is an offence to pressurise or induce a postal voter, or indeed any voter, to make their information available.

"It can also be an offence to obtain and share information about how someone else has voted.

"These laws are enforced by the police."

There are seemingly three things on the minds of British people at the moment - the Euros, the election, and Taylor Swift.

But while the Royal Family have been quick to send their backing to England's footballers and catch the pop star's Eras shows at Wembley, they'll be keeping their distance from the politics.

That's despite the fact that, apart from the monarch, the royals are technically allowed to vote in UK general elections.

Sky News explains why they don't.

Lord Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, has been asked for his opinion on what Nigel Farage said about the conflict in Ukraine.

Mr Farage claims the West provoked Russia's invasion.

In response, Lord Dannatt told the BBC: "As far as I'm concerned, Nigel Farage doesn't have a point worth listening to about anything."

On the wider point of a potential conclusion to the war, he said it was "entirely a matter" for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to decide if negotiating with the Russians "would be a better thing to do [...] to save more lives than continue fighting".

The prime minister has said he believes he got the timing of the general election - which will take place on 4 July - right.

During a media huddle in Edinburgh, he was asked if he'd have wanted longer than the 10 days remaining to make his case.

He insisted it's "the right moment" for the country to have its say because the economy has turned a corner.

"The most important job I had when I was prime minister was to restore economic stability after what has been a really difficult few years with COVID and the war in Ukraine," he said.

"My priority was to bring inflation down, because inflation was eating into everyone’s pay packets, their savings, making everyone feel the challenges of the cost of living."

He said the UK economy grew faster than others in the G7 in the first quarter of the year.

Mr Sunak added: "That's why it's the right moment, now that we have that foundation, for the country to consider what future it wants."

Here is your afternoon bulletin.

We're into the last full week of the election campaign, with just 10 days left until polling day.

Here are the main things you need to know for this afternoon:

Rishi Sunak says he is not being investigated by the Gambling Commission over the betting scandal;
He says the Conservative Party is carrying out its own investigation - and will pass its findings on to the Gambling Commission ;
The City of London Police says it has not been contacted by the commission - but will review the case if asked;
The Liberal Democrats want the government ethics advisor to see if ministers placed bets.
Meanwhile, economists lambasted a "conspiracy of silence" from the main parties over their tax and spending plans - read more below:
Nigel Farage held an event in which he sought to repel attacks levelled at him over his stance on Russia;
He has launched a blistering attack aimed at his one-time ally Boris Johnson - highlighting a front page showing Mr Johnson holding a similar stance on Russia back in 2016;
He called Mr Johnson the worst prime minister of "modern times":

Politics At Jack And Sam's discussed the run-in to the election in today's episode of the podcast.

👉 Tap here to follow Politics at Jack and Sam's wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has been touted as potential leader of the Conservative Party in the future.

And she has hinted she may run to replace Rishi Sunak if he loses the vote on 4 July.

She unsuccessfully stood to be leader in 2022 after Boris Johnson was ousted, but won the backing of powerful figures like Michael Gove.

Asked about the leadership of the party in the future, Ms Badenoch said: "We need to focus on this election.

"The choice is going to be between us or between them (Labour).

"Be afraid if it is them, is all I would say.

"And we will talk about leadership things after an election, but not before."

She said her current gig has been "the job of a lifetime".

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The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria. They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them. Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.
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NHS GP practices are required to offer certain vaccinations for the purposes of travel, free of charge. The travel vaccines available on the NHS are provided because they protect against the diseases thought to be the greatest risk to public health, if brought into this country. These are: polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
Think Travel Vaccine Guide
Prevention modalities: vaccination, medication, consultation. Hepatitis A. Contaminated food & water. Vaccination (2-dose vaccine): Recommended for most travelers. --Administer 2 doses, at least 6 months apart. --At least 1 dose should be given before travel. Consultation: Advise patient to wash hands frequently and avoid unsafe food and water.
Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.
You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC's Find a Clinic page. If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you'll need to go to a vaccine center ...
Travel vaccinations
Advice about getting vaccinated before travelling abroad and information about common travel vaccines. Travel vaccination advice Available travel vaccines Country-by-country advice. ... View your GP health record; View your test results; About the NHS; Healthcare abroad; Other NHS websites; Profile editor login; About us; Give us feedback;
Available travel vaccines
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you're travelling to countries where there are poor levels of sanitation and hygiene, and hepatitis A is common. Ask your GP, pharmacy or travel clinic if you should have the hepatitis A vaccine if you're travelling to: Sub-Saharan and North Africa; Asia; the Middle East; South and Central America
Travel Vaccinations
The GP's travel nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria. Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area. The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS if your GP practice ...
Travel Vaccinations
In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas. If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to ...
Travel Advice and Vaccines
The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria. They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them. Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.
Travel medication and vaccinations
Travel medication and vaccinations. Advice for GPs and LMCs on the regulations for travel immunisations and medications - some must always be given with no fee, some cannot, and some can be given as either an NHS or private service. This guidance is to help GPs and LMCs (local medical committees) understand the regulations on travel ...
Travel health advice and travel vaccinations
Travel health advice and travel vaccinations. You should make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment if you're travelling abroad and think you need: vaccines. a malaria risk assessment. further advice. A travel health professional will take you through your travel health risk assessment. Your GP is no longer your point of contact ...
Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service
1. Book an appointment. Six to eight weeks before you travel you will need to have your travel health appointment to assess what vaccinations you need. 2. Attend a personalised risk assessment 23. During the 40 minute travel health appointment our specially-trained pharmacist will advise on any vaccinations and antimalarials you need for your ...
Travel Health & Vaccination Clinic
Book your travel vaccination online. See a GP online or in clinic for a health assessment, for treatment for travel-related illnesses, or for general travel health advice. ... Don't let a little bug ruin your plans — making sure your travel vaccinations are up-to-date are the easiest way to avoid falling ill unnecessarily. Flu Vaccination ...
Travel vaccinations
NHS Fit for Travel. From the 1 st October 2023, you can get the following travel vaccinations for free with the NHS. Ask your GP practice for details: polio. typhoid. hepatitis A. cholera. Some travel vaccinations are only available privately. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise you on the cost for these.
PDF Travel vaccination
We need to update routine vaccinations relevant in Australia, recommend vaccines relevant to the traveller's usual lifestyle and occupation, and give travel vaccines based on specific needs. It is essential to issue travellers with an International Certificate of Vaccination - the vaccination record book ('yellow book').
Immunizations
In addition, although the guidance in this CKS topic is correct at the time of writing, prevalence of infectious diseases abroad, and guidelines for travel immunization can change quickly. If in any doubt, further advice should be obtained. Table 2 gives information on the main sources of up-to-date advice available in the UK.
Travel vaccinations
It is important to keep up to date with your vaccinations for diseases including: measles, mumps, rubella. influenza (flu) chickenpox (varicella) polio (poliomyelitis) diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis) You may also need one or more vaccines for diseases such as: hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B. cholera.
Polio Vaccination Before Traveling
Vaccination for international travelers. People who plan to travel internationally should make sure they are fully vaccinated against polio before departure. When visiting a country where there is increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, the government of that country may require you to show proof of polio vaccination on your yellow ...
International travel: Don't forget your child's vaccinations, says
Exploring Europe, taking an African safari, going on a trip to the tropics: In many cases, vaccines are needed for travel, and that's doubly true for children. According to pediatrician Dr. Lauren ...
Vaccinating Moscow
Vaccinating Moscow. Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is one of three vaccines now available domestically to the Russian public. Haley Bader, REECA A.M. '20, reports on incentives and barriers to fighting COVID-19 in the Russian capital. Vaccinated several months after its release, Russian President Vladimir Putin likened the efficacy of Sputnik V to ...
Russia
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Russia.
Nations weigh mandates and incentives to drive up vaccination rates
Earlier this week, the University of California system said it will make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for all faculty, staff and students this fall, including the university's health system ...
Covid-19: What do we know about Sputnik V and other Russian vaccines
In August 2020, Russia's President Vladimir Putin surprised the world by approving its first domestically developed covid-19 vaccine, before phase III clinical trials had even begun. Chris Baraniuk reviews what we know—and don't Russia's first approved vaccine was developed and produced entirely domestically and has a name intentionally invoking the space race of the 1950s. By the time ...
Election latest: Senior Tory demands 'robust action' on betting scandal
Spreaker This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to ...

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