Travelling with Kids? These Are the Most Important Vaccines to Consider

Planning a family getaway? Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Thailand, the wildlife parks of South Africa, or the bustling streets of India, travelling with kids can be unforgettable, but it also comes with its share of health risks. One of the most important steps you can take is ensuring your children are protected with the right travel vaccinations.

At Travel Clinic Bromley, we specialise in family-focused travel health. Here’s everything parents need to know about the most important vaccines for child travellers, and why acting early is essential.

Why Do Children Need Travel Vaccinations?

Children are naturally more susceptible to infections. Their immune systems are still developing, and many are curious explorers – touching surfaces, playing outdoors, and interacting with animals, all of which can increase exposure to diseases not commonly seen in the UK.

Vaccinating your child helps prevent:

Serious illness abroad
Emergency medical treatment in foreign countries
Entry refusals due to vaccine requirements
Bringing infectious diseases back home

Top Travel Vaccines to Consider for Children

Hepatitis A

Risk areas: Asia, Africa, Central/South America, Eastern Europe
Transmission: Contaminated food and water
Why kids need it: Children often have less control over food hygiene, and Hepatitis A can be severe in young children.
Available from 1 year of age
1 dose + booster for long-term protection

Typhoid

Risk areas: South Asia (especially India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), Africa, Latin America
Transmission: Poor sanitation, unsafe food
Why kids need it: Easily transmitted and dangerous if untreated.
Suitable from 2 years
Oral and injectable options

Rabies

Risk areas: Asia, Africa, South America
Transmission: Animal bites or scratches
Why kids need it: Children are more likely to interact with animals and may not report bites or scratches.
Can be given from birth in high-risk situations
Series of 3 doses pre-exposure

Japanese Encephalitis

Risk areas: Rural Asia, particularly Southeast Asia
Transmission: Mosquito bites
Why kids need it: Risk is higher in long stays or rural travel. The disease can cause brain inflammation and long-term disability.
Licensed from 2 months of age
2-dose course

Yellow Fever

Risk areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, South America
Requirement: Mandatory for entry into some countries
Why kids need it: Life-threatening illness with no treatment once contracted.
Given from 9 months old
Single lifelong vaccine
We are a certified Yellow Fever Centre in Bromley

Meningitis ACWY

Risk areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia (Hajj/Umrah)
Why kids need it: Protects against fast-acting bacterial meningitis. Outbreaks are common in close-contact settings.
Available from 6 weeks of age
Required for pilgrims to Mecca

Routine Childhood Vaccinations (MMR, Polio, DTP, etc.)

Before travelling, always ensure your child is up to date on routine NHS immunisations. Outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and polio are increasing globally, especially in areas with low vaccine coverage.

When Should You Book a Travel Vaccine Appointment?

We recommend scheduling your family’s travel consultation at least 6-8 weeks before departure. This gives enough time for:

Multi-dose vaccines (e.g. rabies, JE)
Booster shots
Any catch-up doses for missed NHS childhood vaccines

Even if your trip is sooner, don’t panic – some protection is always better than none. We offer last-minute vaccinations at our Bromley clinic.

What to Expect at Travel Clinic Bromley

Our family-friendly service makes travel health easy and stress-free. When you visit us, you’ll receive:

Personalised vaccine plans based on your child’s age, destination, and travel style
Expert travel health advice from qualified clinicians
Quick and easy appointments, including same-day bookings
Child-friendly environment to reduce stress for little ones

We also provide malaria prevention, travel health certificates, and practical tips on sun safety, hydration, and insect bite avoidance.

Planning an Adventure? We’re Here to Help

Your family’s health is our priority. Whether you’re backpacking with teenagers or holidaying with toddlers, Travel Clinic Bromley offers everything you need under one roof.