Travel health is one of those things that’s easy to leave until the last minute, right up until you realise your trip is in ten days and you haven’t thought about vaccinations at all. A little planning goes a long way.
Why timing matters
Some vaccines need time to take effect, and a few require more than one dose spaced weeks apart. Booking early gives your pre-travel consultation room to plan properly around your specific itinerary, rather than rushing to fit everything in before you fly.
A rough timeline
As a general guide, aim to book your travel health consultation at least 4–6 weeks before departure. If your trip is sooner than that, it’s still worth calling, a shorter-notice consultation can often achieve a good deal, even if the full course of a particular vaccine isn’t possible in time.
What to have ready
Your itinerary, travel dates, and any known vaccination history make the consultation more useful. If you’re travelling to multiple countries or regions, having the full route to hand helps Dr Dana give advice that’s actually relevant to where you’re going.
It’s not just about injections
A pre-travel consultation is also the place to talk about antimalarial tablets, food and water precautions, and anything specific to your destination. It’s a conversation, not just a jab.
Call ahead to arrange your consultation, and give yourself the best chance of being properly prepared before you go.
