CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Immunizations - travel vaccinations - Management
Which travel vaccines can I give rapid courses for?
- Hepatitis B may be given as an accelerated course over 3 months or 3 weeks.
- Tick-borne encephalitis may be given as two doses 2 weeks apart.
- Ninety percent of those who receive this schedule achieve immunity 2 weeks after the second dose.
- The third dose should be given 5 to 12 months after the second dose, either on return or during travel if still overseas.
- Tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccines in previously unimmunized people:
- For people travelling at short notice it is usually worth giving the maximum number of doses of vaccines that the travel departure date allows and completing the course upon return.
- Japanese encephalitis may be given as two doses 1 week apart: this will induce antibodies in approximately 80% of recipients.
- The vaccine course should be completed 10 days prior to departure to allow for delayed allergic reactions.
- Seek specialist advise if someone requires a Japanese encephalitis vaccine and there is insufficient time to complete the course (< 10 days prior to departure).
- Rabies vaccine can be given as a course over 3 weeks. If vaccination is required at short notice seek specialist advice.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement