When your trip is planned: prepare the itinerary
Use the THS pre-travel checklist to organize destinations, accommodation, duration, purpose and activities. Include transit stops and bring your vaccination records to the clinician.
Book a consultation early
THS centre information recommends booking at least eight weeks before travel. This allows time for assessment and arranging vaccination. It is not a rule that all vaccines have the same lead time or can be completed within that window.
An online appointment request must still be confirmed by the centre. Check your confirmed appointment arrangements rather than assuming submission has reserved a slot.
Confirm dose dates and time to protection
Dose intervals and time to protection depend on the vaccine, product and your circumstances. A clinician should confirm the relevant schedule and explain when protection is expected.
Check yellow-fever certificate validity separately
For yellow fever, the official guidance states that the international vaccination certificate becomes valid ten days after vaccination. That certificate rule is not a promise of admission for every itinerary or a universal measure of immunity. Check the actual destination’s requirements separately.
Before departure: recheck the journey and documents
If destinations, transit or activities change, ask whether your prevention plan or official requirements need checking again. Keep the records and certificates required for your particular journey.
If departure is soon
Contact a travel health service promptly with your destination, departure date and flight itinerary. A clinician can assess what is feasible and advise on relevant prevention measures. Do not assume a late dose provides sufficient protection or that a certificate or exemption will be accepted.
Related travel guides
Read next: travel consultation preparation and yellow-fever vaccination and certificates.