If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available at The Pharmacy Coedpoeth, to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.

The NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule, protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases that can be found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?
If possible, book in to our private travel clinic, at The Pharmacy Coedpoeth, Wrexham at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases if you're:
• Travelling in rural areas
• Backpacking
• Staying in hostels or camping
• On a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which travel vaccines do I need?
You can find out which travel vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting by calling us and speaking to one of our expert pharmacists.

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Even if an ICVP is not required, it's still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Where do I get my travel vaccines?
First, phone your GP to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date. Once you have your records for your vaccinations, then you can call us at The Pharmacy Coedpoeth, 01978 757367.

We can give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area. However, do not panic, we are on hand to give you all the relevant and up to date information on your travel vaccinations.

Which travel vaccines are free?
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from The Pharmacy Coedpoeth:

Polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Cholera

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?
You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

Hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
Meningitis
Rabies
Tick-borne encephalitis
Tuberculosis (TB)
Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres.

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need. It's worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:
• Your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
• Working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
• Working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
• Contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations. However it's important to check that you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations available at The Pharmacy Coedpoeth.

Speak to a GP before having any vaccinations if:
• You're pregnant
• You think you might be pregnant
• You're breastfeeding
In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while you're pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby. Our pharmacist will be able to give you further advice about this.

People with immune deficiencies
For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised.
This may be the case if:
You have a condition that affects your body's immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
You're receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
You have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant