Book early — some vaccines take weeks to complete
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies require multiple doses spaced weeks apart. If you're interning in Asia or Africa, book a travel clinic appointment at least 8–12 weeks before departure. Most vaccines on this page are either free on the NHS or low cost at a travel clinic.
Standard Vaccinations — All Destinations
These should be up to date for any international travel:
Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio
Check your NHS record — boosters needed if it's been 10+ years. Free on NHS.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Should have had 2 doses as a child. Free on NHS if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis A
Recommended for most destinations outside Northern Europe. Two doses. ~£50 at a travel clinic or sometimes free via NHS.
Typhoid
Recommended for Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Oral or injection. ~£30–50.
Vaccinations by Destination
🇱🇷 Bali, Indonesia
Strongly recommended
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies (especially if motorbike riding — very common in Bali), Dengue (new vaccine available)
Also consider
Japanese Encephalitis for long stays or rural time. Malaria risk is low in main tourist/intern areas but check current guidance.
🇦🇾 South Africa (Cape Town)
Recommended
Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Hepatitis B if working in healthcare or high-risk settings.
Note
Cape Town is low malaria risk. No malaria prophylaxis needed for the Western Cape. Malaria risk exists in other regions — check if travelling beyond Cape Town.
🇯🇵 Japan (Tokyo)
Recommended
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Japanese Encephalitis for long stays or rural time. Standard routine vaccinations up to date.
Low risk destination
Japan has excellent healthcare and food safety standards. Vaccination requirements are minimal compared to Southeast Asia or Africa.
🇪🇸 Europe (Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, etc.)
Routine vaccinations only
No specific travel vaccinations are typically required for European destinations. Ensure routine UK vaccinations (Tetanus, MMR) are up to date. Apply for your GHIC for healthcare access in EU countries.
🇺🇸 USA (New York, etc.)
Routine vaccinations + Meningococcal
The USA has no specific entry vaccination requirements for UK citizens. Many US universities and internship programmes require proof of Meningococcal vaccination. Check your programme's specific requirements. Standard MMR and Tdap should be up to date.
Book your travel clinic appointment early
NHS travel health clinics and pharmacies like Boots Travel Health offer consultations. Book as soon as you know your destination — ideally 3 months before departure.
This guide is for general information only — always consult a healthcare professional for personalised vaccination advice.
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