Booking your travel vaccines is one of those jobs that feels safe to delay — until your trip is six weeks away and the vaccine you need is a 3-dose course over 28 days.
The 6–8 week rule
Most travel vaccines reach full protection 7–14 days after the final dose. Courses that need multiple doses include:
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses over a month (standard) or 21 days (accelerated)
- Rabies — 3 doses over 21–28 days
- Japanese encephalitis — 2 doses over 28 days
Working back from your departure, that's why we say 6–8 weeks ahead — it gives you buffer for any side effects and ensures you're properly protected on the plane.
Last-minute trips
Don't panic. Many vaccines (typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever) are single doses with rapid immunity. Accelerated hepatitis B schedules exist if you book carefully. Even leaving tomorrow, some protection is better than none — call us.
Yellow Fever: extra time required
If your destination requires a yellow fever certificate, you need the jab at least 10 days before crossing the border. We're a designated NaTHNaC Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — book online or call.
Planner shortcut: book your travel consultation as soon as you book the flights. The 20-minute appointment is free.
