Vaccinations, work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies without causing infection. Immunological memory, persists for life, therefore it is generally unnecessary to restart a vaccine course.

However, the levels of antibody often wane with time depending on the vaccine, so boosters will often be required, to re-stimulate your immune memory.

Some vaccinations courses, for example rabies (3 doses -Day 0, 7, 21) require multiple doses separated over a number of weeks. It is therefore prudent to arrange your initial consultation 4-6 weeks prior to travel, especially if the trip is rural in nature or to a high risk region.

Find out what vaccinations you need before you travel by visiting the NHS’s Fit for Travel website!