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    Last-Minute Travel? Which Vaccines Can You Still Get?

    15 February 2026 5 min read

    Don't Panic — Many Vaccines Work Quickly

    We often see patients who've booked a last-minute holiday or business trip and worry it's too late for vaccinations. The good news? Many travel vaccines provide rapid protection and can be given just days before departure. At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer same-week appointments specifically for last-minute travellers. Our pharmacists will prioritise the most important vaccines for your destination and timeline.

    Vaccines That Work at Short Notice

    Single-dose vaccines providing rapid protection: - Hepatitis A — A single dose provides protection within 2 weeks. Get it even the day before you fly — some protection is better than none. - Typhoid (injection) — Effective within 2 weeks of the dose. - Yellow Fever — Must be given at least 10 days before arrival in an endemic country (this is a legal requirement, not just medical advice). - Meningitis ACWY — Effective within 7–10 days. - DTP Booster — Provides a rapid immune boost if you've been previously vaccinated. - Cholera (Dukoral) — First dose provides some protection; ideal if you can manage both doses before travel. Vaccines that ideally need more time: - Rabies — Requires 3 doses over 21–28 days (accelerated schedules available) - Japanese Encephalitis — Requires 2 doses 28 days apart - Hepatitis B — Standard course is 3 doses over months, but accelerated schedules (3 doses over 21 days) are available

    What If I Can't Complete a Course Before Travel?

    For multi-dose vaccines, starting the course before travel is still beneficial: - Partial protection is better than no protection. Even one dose of Hepatitis B or Rabies vaccine provides some level of immunity. - You can complete the course abroad or on return. Our pharmacists will give you a vaccination record so another clinic can continue the schedule if needed. - We offer accelerated schedules for some vaccines (e.g. Hepatitis B can be given as 3 doses over 21 days instead of 6 months).

    Antimalarials for Last-Minute Travel

    Antimalarial tablets can be started at very short notice: - Malarone: Start just 1–2 days before entering a malaria zone - Doxycycline: Start 1–2 days before - Mefloquine: Ideally start 2–3 weeks before, but can be started 1 week before if needed Malarone is the most popular choice for last-minute travellers due to its quick start time and minimal side effects.

    Tips for Last-Minute Travellers

    Even if time is short, there's plenty you can do to protect yourself: 1. Book a consultation immediately — don't wait until the day before you fly 2. Bring your vaccination records (or ask your GP for them) so we know what you've already had 3. Consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation cover 4. Pack a travel health kit — insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration sachets, basic medications 5. Download health information for your destination from TravelHealthPro Contact us today for a same-week appointment at either of our Hucclecote pharmacies.