• Claygate Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, 35 The Parade, Claygate, Esher KT10 0PD
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Claygate Pharmacy Travel Clinic

Travel Health Advice & News

Expert guides, destination vaccine advice and the latest travel health updates from our qualified pharmacists in Claygate, Surrey.

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Travel health
March 2026

Your complete travel health checklist for 2026

Planning a trip abroad this year? Here’s everything you need to know about staying healthy — from which vaccines you need to the latest disease outbreaks affecting popular destinations.

Start with routine vaccinations

Before thinking about destination-specific vaccines, make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. Measles is currently rising in many countries — the UK Health Security Agency recommends all travellers confirm they have had both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine before travelling internationally. If you’re unsure, check with your GP or ask our pharmacist at your travel consultation.

Polio is also worth checking — some international destinations still have circulating poliovirus, and a booster may be recommended depending on where you are heading.

Book early — 6 to 8 weeks before travel

UK health guidance recommends visiting a travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines — such as hepatitis B and rabies — require multiple doses spread over several weeks, so leaving it late limits your options. However, even a last-minute consultation is worthwhile; many vaccines can still offer meaningful protection when given close to departure.

Key diseases to be aware of in 2026

Dengue fever
Year-round risk across tropical regions. Rising activity reported in 2026 across Asia, the Americas and Africa. Prevent mosquito bites — repellent and cover up.
Mpox (monkeypox)
Ongoing global risk. WHO recommendations extended through August 2026. Particularly relevant for travel to Central and East Africa. Speak to our pharmacist for advice.
Chikungunya
Active outbreak in Cuba and spreading in other regions. Two new vaccines (IXCHIQ and Vimkunya) are now approved for UK travellers visiting affected areas.
Measles
Cases rising globally. All travellers should confirm MMR vaccination status before any international travel. Check with your GP or at your consultation.

Don’t forget malaria tablets

Malaria remains a serious risk in large parts of Africa, South and South-East Asia, and Central and South America. Despite a slight decrease in 2024, imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK. Antimalarial tablets must be started before travel and continued after return — the exact timing depends on which tablet is prescribed. Ask our pharmacist at your consultation.

Book your travel consultation at Claygate Pharmacy
Serving Claygate, Esher, Cobham and wider Surrey · Same-week appointments

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Destination guides

Travel health by destination

South-East Asia

Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia — what vaccines do you need?

South-East Asia remains one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers. Before you go, here’s what to consider.

Typically recommended:
✓  Hepatitis A
✓  Typhoid
✓  Hepatitis B (longer stays)
✓  Japanese encephalitis (rural areas)
✓  Rabies (trekking / rural travel)
✓  Malaria tablets (certain regions)

2026 alert: Dengue risk elevated in Vietnam. Use insect repellent throughout your trip.

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South Asia

India & Sri Lanka — travel health essentials

India is one of the top destinations for UK travellers, particularly those visiting friends and relatives. Travel-associated typhoid cases in the UK are most commonly contracted in India and Pakistan — vaccination is strongly recommended.

Typically recommended:
✓  Typhoid
✓  Hepatitis A
✓  Hepatitis B
✓  Rabies (rural / adventure travel)
✓  Malaria tablets (certain regions)
✓  Japanese encephalitis (Sri Lanka rural)

Note: Sri Lanka is expected to be a top destination in 2026. Chikungunya and dengue are risks — insect bite prevention is essential.

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Africa

Kenya, Tanzania & Morocco — travel vaccines for Africa

Africa covers an enormous range of health risks depending on your destination. Safari in Kenya or Tanzania, cultural travel in Morocco, or a family trip to West Africa all require different preparation.

Typically recommended:
✓  Hepatitis A & B
✓  Typhoid
✓  Malaria tablets (most of sub-Saharan Africa)
✓  Meningitis ACWY (meningitis belt)
✓  Rabies (rural / wildlife areas)
✓  Cholera (certain regions)

2026 alert: Mpox outbreaks active in DRC, Uganda and parts of West Africa. Seek advice before travel.

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Americas

Brazil, Peru & Mexico — what to know before you go

Central and South America require careful travel health preparation. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some countries and recommended for many others.

Typically recommended:
✓  Hepatitis A & B
✓  Typhoid
✓  Malaria tablets (Amazon region)
✓  Rabies (rural / adventure)
✓  Cholera (certain areas)

2026 alert: Increased yellow fever cases in Colombia and Venezuela. Chikungunya outbreak active in Cuba.

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Middle East

UAE, Egypt & Hajj / Umrah — travel health advice

The UAE and Egypt are popular with UK travellers. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, Meningitis ACWY vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Typically recommended:
✓  Hepatitis A & B
✓  Typhoid (Egypt, Jordan)
✓  Meningitis ACWY (mandatory for Hajj/Umrah)
✓  Rabies (Jordan, Egypt rural areas)
✓  DTP booster

Hajj / Umrah: Meningitis ACWY certificate required by Saudi authorities. Book in advance — we offer this at Claygate Pharmacy.

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Travel tips

Beyond vaccines — your full pre-travel health checklist

Vaccines are important, but travel health preparation goes further. Here’s what else to think about before you fly.

✓  Ensure underlying conditions are stable
✓  Carry enough medication for the trip
✓  Check medication import rules at your destination
✓  Pack a basic travel first aid kit
✓  Use insect repellent (DEET 50% for high-risk areas)
✓  Practice food and water hygiene
✓  Get comprehensive travel insurance
✓  Check FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

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In depth

Malaria prevention: a guide for UK travellers in 2026

Malaria is one of the most serious travel health risks for UK travellers. It is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Despite a slight reduction in 2024, imported malaria cases in the UK remain at concerning levels — the majority are contracted in sub-Saharan Africa.

The right antimalarial tablet depends on your specific destination, the length of your trip, and any other medications you take. There is no single “best” antimalarial — our pharmacist will advise you at your consultation based on your individual circumstances.

Antimalarials alone are not enough — you should also use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET, sleep under a net in high-risk areas, and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings.
High-risk malaria destinations
🌍  Sub-Saharan Africa (highest risk)
🌏  Papua New Guinea
🌏  Parts of South and South-East Asia
🌎  Amazon region (Brazil, Peru, Colombia)
🌍  Parts of East Africa
🌍  Parts of West Africa
Always check TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk) for your specific destination before travel.

We supply all antimalarials at Claygate Pharmacy
Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine — advice and prescription at your consultation

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Travelling soon? Last-minute appointments available

Even if your trip is coming up quickly, it’s worth booking a consultation. Many vaccines can still provide meaningful protection when given close to departure, and we can advise on the best options for your timeframe. Same-week appointments available at Claygate Pharmacy — call us or book online.

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01372 466116

Common questions

Travel vaccination FAQs

How far in advance should I book my travel vaccines? +
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before travel. This allows time for multi-dose vaccines (such as hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis) which require two or three injections spaced weeks apart. However, even a last-minute consultation is worthwhile — many single-dose vaccines can be given close to departure and still provide good protection.
Can I get travel vaccines on the NHS? +
Some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS (for example typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio). However, many are not — including hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis ACWY and cholera. Our private travel clinic provides the full range, with same-week appointments and no long waits.
Do I need a GP referral for travel vaccinations? +
No — you can book directly with us online or by phone. No GP referral needed. Just bring any existing vaccination records if you have them.
What should I bring to my travel consultation? +
Bring your travel itinerary (destinations, dates, planned activities and accommodation type), any existing vaccination records you have, and a list of current medications. The more detail you can provide about your trip, the better we can tailor the advice to your specific needs.
Are travel vaccines safe for children? +
Yes, most travel vaccines are suitable for children, though minimum age requirements vary by vaccine. Please let us know at booking if any travellers are under 16 so we can plan the consultation appropriately.

Ready to travel safely?

Book your travel health consultation at Claygate Pharmacy — expert advice, all vaccines in one visit, same-week appointments available.

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01372 466116

Travel health information on this page is for general guidance only and is based on current NHS and UKHSA guidance as of March 2026. Individual vaccine recommendations depend on your specific destination, itinerary, activities and personal health. Always consult a qualified travel health professional before travelling. For the most up-to-date destination-specific advice visit travelhealthpro.org.uk or fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

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