United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for Australian travellers.

More than 50% of Australian travellers to North-West Europe will stop in the United Kingdom (UK). Many are migrants returning home to see friends and relatives, or it may be the start or end of a cruise.

The UK has health concerns similar to Australia. Most issues would relate to individuals being at greater risk of exposure to respiratory tract disease in congested airports, commercial transport (buses, trains, taxis) and tourist hot-spots.

Travel Vaccinations for United Kingdom

Those with chronic health issues should see their health provider 6-8 weeks before travel. It is important to be current for all the recommended routine vaccines.

Routine

Completed childhood immunisations, Tetanus/ Diphtheria/ Pertussis vaccine booster if > 10 years, Influenza > 65 years, Influenza > 6 months and < 5 years, Pneumonia vaccine > 65 years, Shingles > 65 years, RSV vaccine > 75 years.

Routine (other)

To consider if immune-suppressed (check with health provider).

Recommended depending on the nature of the trip

Tick-borne Encephalitis.

To be considered if exposed to wildlife species. Individuals may include conservationists, ecologists, biologists or veterinarians

Rabies.

Particular to age

Measles booster if born between 1966 and 1980.

Travel Considerations

Consider taking a basic medical kit plus extras according to your intended activities. Always carry a letter regarding your medications and make sure it is easily accessible. Never travel without insurance.

Accidents

Travellers are much more likely to die or be injured than to be sick with an exotic disease. Travellers in the age group 15-44 are...

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Air Pollution

When Australians travel overseas, they will usually experience air quality worse than they are used to at home. It has been known since the industrial...

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Allergy

Allergy can present in different ways. Red, itchy lumps can occur anywhere on the body. Inhaled allergens eg pollens can cause an itchy runny nose and...

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Bed Bugs

Bedbugs are intensely irritating blood sucking insects that are found worldwide. They hide in cracks and crevices in the wall and come out to feed at night ...

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Extreme Weather

Apparently, a naked adult human feels most thermally comfortable in an air temperature of 30 deg C. We have complex mechanisms to thermo-regulate, so that ...

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Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections (RTI’s) are the 3rd most common health issue affecting international travellers. Attack rates range from 5% to 40% depending on the...

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Security

For most people, overseas travel is “occasional” rather than “usual”. For some it is a very new experience. Security issues should not be forgotten...

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Travel Insurance

There is nothing wrong with travelling on the cheap. It is almost a rite of passage for young travellers. It often means very basic accommodation, street...

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Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the commonest health issue experienced by travellers to lower income countries. Applies more for travellers who have grown up in a high-income...

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Diseases

Covid-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused...

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Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious respiratory virus...

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Tick-borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne Encephalitis is a vector-borne disease...

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Mpox

Mpox is mostly transmitted to humans through physical contact...

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In the News

Dr Bob Kass
July 23, 2026

RSV vaccination - a success story worth celebrating

Social media is full of negativity about vaccines, so it is worth applauding a success story when one comes along. Dr Bob Kass on Australia's RSV program, and why it is common sense for carers and travellers.

Dr Bob Kass
June 4, 2026

From the tropics to Europe: how vector-borne disease is spreading

In May 2026, One Health (UK) published its first vector-borne disease surveillance report. It is important reading for travel health providers, and it helps quantify the risk of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria for travellers.

Dr Bob Kass
April 13, 2026

Poliovirus detected in London sewage - why vigilance still matters

Vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected twice in London sewage in 2026. We look at what sewage surveillance picks up and why high vaccination rates still matter.

Dr Bob Kass
April 13, 2026

Meningococcal B outbreak at the University of Kent - Lessons for Australia

A meningococcal B outbreak at Kent University has caused two deaths and prompted mass vaccination. What does it mean for Australian travellers?

Dr Bob Kass
June 21, 2025

Rabies risk when travelling - Don’t delay medical attention after exposure

The UK Health Security Agency has recently reported (June 18, 2025) the death of a British traveller who had a stray dog exposure while travelling...

Book an Online Travel Health Consult

Some health problems can be avoided through vaccinations prior to travel, whereas others can be prevented by adopting avoidance measures gained through education and destination-specific advice. Speak with a leading Australian travel doctor via telehealth to prepare for your trip overseas.

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Travel Vaccinations

Diseases A-Z

Considerations

Travel Vaccinations

Diseases A-Z

Considerations

United Kingdom

Travel Vaccinations for United Kingdom

Routine

Routine (other)

Recommended

Recommended depending on the nature of the trip

To be considered if exposed to wildlife species. Individuals may include conservationists, ecologists, biologists or veterinarians

Particular to age

Travel Considerations

Accidents

Air Pollution

Allergy

Bed Bugs

Extreme Weather

Respiratory Tract Infections

Security

Travel Insurance

Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Diseases

Covid-19

Influenza

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Mpox

Book an Online Travel Health Consult

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