Are Travel Vaccines Different from Routine Vaccinations?

Routine vaccinations and travel vaccines have different purposes when it comes to protecting our health. Routine vaccinations are recommended for everyone as part of regular healthcare. Travel vaccinations are specifically tailored to protect travellers from diseases they might encounter in their destination.

In this blog, we’ll discuss more about these two types of vaccinations in detail.

What are Routine Vaccines?

Routine vaccines are immunisations recommended by healthcare authorities to protect you against common infectious diseases. These vaccines are administered according to a schedule starting from infancy through adulthood. They're an essential component of preventive healthcare.

Routine vaccinations include immunisations against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, meningitis, and influenza. These vaccines are administered to infants, children, and adults at various stages of life to ensure ongoing protection against infectious diseases.

What are Travel Vaccines?

Travel vaccines are specifically recommended for those who are travelling to regions where there is an increased risk of contracting certain diseases. These vaccines are tailored to the specific risks associated with travel to particular destinations and may not be routinely recommended for people residing in the UK.

The requirement for travel vaccines depends on several factors - your destination, the duration of your stay, your age, and your overall health status. Common travel vaccines include those for diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and meningococcal disease.

Difference Between Routine Vaccines and Travel Vaccines
1.    Purpose
●       Routine vaccines are administered to protect you against diseases that are prevalent or endemic in your home country or region to provide long-term immunity.

●       Travel vaccines are specifically recommended for those travelling to regions where there is an increased risk of exposure to certain diseases that may not be commonly found in their home country. These vaccines offer protection against infectious diseases encountered during travel but may not provide long-term immunity.
2.    Timing and Administration
●       Routine vaccines are typically administered according to a predetermined schedule established by healthcare authorities, starting from infancy and continuing throughout adulthood.

●       Travel vaccines are administered on an as-needed basis, depending on the traveller's destination and itinerary. They may require multiple doses and may need to be administered well in advance of travel to ensure optimal protection.
3.    Availability and Accessibility
●       Routine vaccines are widely available and accessible through healthcare providers, travel clinics, and vaccination programs across the UK.

●       Travel vaccines may not be as readily available and may require specialised consultation with our travel clinic. These vaccines may also incur additional costs, as standard healthcare services do not always cover them.

Visit Pearl Chemist Group for Travel Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations and travel vaccines play vital roles in protecting individuals from infectious diseases and promoting global health security. By understanding the differences between these two types of vaccines and accessing appropriate immunisation services, individuals can safeguard their health whether at home or abroad.

If you are looking for travel clinic services in Banstead, Earlsfield, Epsom, or anywhere in South London, click here to book an appointment with us.