TRAVEL HEALTH
Travel Health for Children
What to consider when travelling with children, how vaccine planning fits around the UK schedule, and when to book.
Travelling with children requires slightly different planning from adult travel. Vaccine recommendations may need to fit around the UK childhood immunisation schedule. Some travel vaccines have minimum age requirements. Antimalarial dosing is weight-based. And practical considerations — managing fever abroad, preventing dehydration, insect protection for small children, and knowing when to seek medical help in an unfamiliar healthcare system — are often more important to parents than the vaccines themselves.
For children’s travel health, the appointment can be arranged through paediatric GP care or through the travel clinic depending on the main focus.
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How travel vaccines fit around the childhood schedule
Children in the UK follow a routine immunisation schedule from birth. Travel vaccines need to be planned around this schedule rather than replacing it. Some travel vaccines — such as hepatitis A — can be given from age 1. Typhoid (injectable) is generally given from age 2. Rabies vaccine can be given to infants but the decision depends on destination risk. Japanese encephalitis is usually from age 2 months. Yellow fever vaccine is not given under 9 months. Your GP will check your child’s existing vaccination record and advise on what travel vaccines can be added safely alongside routine immunisations.
By age group
Age-specific considerations
Very young children — under 6 months — present particular challenges for travel medicine. Many vaccines cannot be given at this age, antimalarial options are more limited, and the risks of heat, dehydration and insect-borne illness are higher. Children aged 1 to 5 are eligible for most travel vaccines but may need different doses or formulations. Older children and adolescents can generally receive the same vaccines as adults, with dosing adjusted by weight where relevant.
Same-day appointments available. Book online or call 020 7736 7557.
Practical advice for travelling with children
Hydration is one of the most important practical considerations. Children dehydrate more quickly than adults, especially in hot climates or if they develop diarrhoea or vomiting. Carrying oral rehydration sachets is sensible for most tropical or subtropical trips. Insect-bite prevention needs age-appropriate repellents — DEET is generally safe in concentrations up to 50% for children over 2 months, but application should be supervised. Clothing, bed nets and staying in screened accommodation all help. Sun protection, altitude awareness, and knowing where the nearest reliable medical facility is are all part of the conversation.
Book early
When to book
Ideally, families should book a travel appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. This allows time for multi-dose vaccine courses and gives the GP room to plan around the child’s existing immunisation schedule. Parents should bring their child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) if available. Even if the trip is sooner, a last-minute appointment can still be worthwhile.
Common questions
From what age are travel vaccines typically given?
Age thresholds vary by vaccine. Some can be given in infancy, others only from a set age, and some are not recommended for young children at all. Live vaccines have their own age rules and spacing requirements with routine immunisations. The GP reviews the child’s age, immunisation history and destination before advising on what can be given.
Are children more vulnerable to travel-related illness than adults?
In some respects, yes. Children can dehydrate faster with travellers’ diarrhoea, are more exposed to insect bites depending on behaviour, and may not report symptoms as clearly. Food and water hygiene, mosquito protection, sun safety and access to clean drinking water are usually emphasised more for children than for adults travelling to the same destination.
Should children be seen in-person for travel vaccines?
Yes. Vaccine appointments for children are in-person so the child can be examined before each vaccine, the route of administration is correct for age, and observation after the injection is possible. A video consultation can be useful for planning and advice but not for the vaccination itself.
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