When planning an overseas trip, especially to destinations outside Western Europe, one of the most important (yet often overlooked) steps is getting the right travel vaccinations. But when it comes to accessing those vaccines, many people are unsure whether to go through their GP for NHS travel vaccinations or visit a private provider like a pharmacy travel clinic.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we regularly help patients who are unsure about the difference between NHS and private travel vaccines, or who are struggling to get a GP appointment before their trip. In this post, we break down the key differences in availability, waiting times, cost, and convenience—so you can make the best decision for your health and your travel plans.

Which Vaccines Are Free on the NHS?

Let’s start with what the NHS travel vaccinations service actually covers. The NHS only provides a small number of travel vaccines free of charge, because these are considered to offer a public health benefit—not just protection for the individual traveller.

Vaccines available free on the NHS include:

• –> Hepatitis A

• –> Typhoid

• –> Cholera

• –> Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (combined booster)

These vaccinations are typically offered at your GP surgery, and you will need to book in advance—ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel.

What Vaccines Are Not Covered by the NHS?

The majority of other travel vaccines are not funded by the NHS and must be paid for privately. These include:

• –> Yellow fever

• –> Rabies

• –> Japanese encephalitis

• –> Hepatitis B (for travel, not medical reasons)

• –> Tick-borne encephalitis

• –> Meningitis ACWY (for non-Hajj/Umrah travel)

• –> Malaria prevention tablets

If your destination or travel itinerary puts you at risk for any of these conditions, you’ll need to book a private travel consultation, which is where services like our Vivo Pharmacy travel clinic come in.

Comparing Waiting Times

One of the biggest issues with NHS travel vaccinations is availability. Many GP surgeries now have long waiting times, limited appointment slots, or no longer offer travel vaccinations at all due to staffing pressures.

If you’re travelling at short notice—or can’t get a timely GP appointment—you may not be able to complete your vaccine course in time.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we can often offer same-day or next-day appointments, with no long waiting lists or phone queues. This is especially important for vaccines that require a two- or three-dose schedule over several weeks, such as rabies or Japanese encephalitis.

Comparing Costs

As mentioned earlier, NHS travel vaccines are free if they fall within the limited list. Private vaccines do carry a cost, which varies depending on the vaccine, the number of doses required, and the brand used.

At Vivo Pharmacy, our prices are transparent, and you’ll receive a full quote during your consultation. We also provide combination appointments for couples, families, and groups, which can help reduce the total cost of protection.

While private travel vaccines are an extra expense, they’re a small investment compared to the cost of falling ill abroad or requiring emergency care in a foreign country.

Comparing Convenience

In terms of accessibility, private pharmacy clinics often offer:

• –> Flexible opening hours, including evenings and weekends

• –> Online or walk-in appointment booking

• –> Immediate access to both NHS and private vaccines

• –> A full travel health consultation in one visit

• –> Personalised advice based on your destination and itinerary

• –> Access to antimalarials and travel medications without a GP visit

NHS services, in contrast, may require multiple appointments or referrals, and you may need to visit more than one location if your GP cannot supply all the vaccines you need.

Why Choose Vivo Pharmacy?

At Vivo Pharmacy, we offer a comprehensive travel health service that includes:

• –> Full destination-based risk assessments

• –> Both NHS-covered and private travel vaccinations

• –> Malaria tablets and bite-prevention advice

• –> Travel health certificates (e.g. for yellow fever)

• –> Support for families, students, volunteers, and business travellers

Whether you’re heading to Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, or the Middle East, we’ll make sure you’re protected and fit for travel—without the stress of chasing GP appointments or navigating confusing NHS systems.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether to rely on NHS travel vaccinations or go private, the answer often comes down to timing, destination, and risk level.

If you qualify for free vaccines and have time to spare, your GP may be a good starting point. But for many travellers—especially those going off the beaten track or leaving soon—private vaccination through your local pharmacy is the safer, faster, and more comprehensive option.

Contact Vivo Pharmacy today to book your travel consultation and get protected with the right vaccines—without delay.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.