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Immunizations - travel vaccinations - Management
How do I vaccinate someone who is travelling at short notice?

  • There are no published guidelines for vaccinating people who are travelling abroad at short notice.
  • The decision to vaccinate someone one who is travelling at short notice will depend upon an individual risk assessment:
    • The risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease.
    • Type of vaccine and schedules available.
    • The length of time before departure.
    • The length of the stay abroad.
  • Full immunity may take up to 21 days to develop in some people. Travellers should be advised that if they do not leave enough time for travel vaccines to be given there may be an initial period for which they are not fully immunized. The decision to travel should be carefully considered after a risk assessment.
  • If there is insufficient time to complete all the required vaccinations prior to departure seek specialist advise from the NaTHNaC advice line for health professionals:
    • Telephone: 0845 602 6712
    • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon; 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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