Commonly recommended vaccines
These are general recommendations. Your pharmacist will advise based on your specific itinerary and medical history.
For full guidance including malaria risk areas and health alerts, visit TravelHealthPro.
Health risks in Colombia
Colombia has become one of South America's most visited destinations, offering Cartagena's colonial streets, Bogotá's cultural scene, coffee farms and Amazon jungle. Yellow fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement for Colombia, and cases have risen in recent years. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Gillingham, Kent is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, open 7 days a week until 10pm. We issue official ICVP certificates the same day — no GP referral needed.
- Yellow fever — vaccination legally required to enter Colombia for all travellers aged 1 year and older; cases have increased with active outbreaks in recent years
- Hepatitis A and typhoid — food and waterborne illnesses throughout Colombia, particularly outside major cities; vaccination recommended for all travellers
- Malaria — present in rural and jungle areas below 1,600m; no malaria risk in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena or Barranquilla
- Dengue and Zika — endemic across low-altitude areas; mosquito bite prevention is essential; Zika is a particular concern for pregnant women
- Rabies — present in wildlife; pre-exposure vaccine recommended for those trekking in rural or jungle areas
Yellow Fever vaccine — Colombia
Colombia legally requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers aged 1 year and older. An official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) must be presented at immigration. Cases of yellow fever have risen in Colombia in recent years with active outbreaks reported. Medway Pharmacy is a registered YFVC and issues official same-day certificates. Vaccination should ideally be completed at least 10 days before travel. Vaccine cost: £70.
Medway Pharmacy is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre (YFVC). We issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP / Yellow Card) on site. Learn more about Yellow Fever certificates →
Our pharmacists at Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5LJ provide personalised travel health advice for Colombia and all destinations. We serve Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham, and the wider Kent area. Open 7 days a week, 7:30am–10pm — same-day appointments available, no GP referral needed.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Colombia
Where can I get travel vaccinations for Colombia in Kent?
Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic at 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LJ offers same-day Colombia travel health appointments. We are a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 10pm. No GP referral is required.
How much do travel vaccinations for Colombia cost?
At Medway Pharmacy, Yellow Fever is £70, Hepatitis A is £55 and Typhoid is £55. We are open every day until 10pm — including weekends — so you can book around your schedule.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Colombia?
Yes. Colombia legally requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers aged 1 year and older — you must present an official ICVP at immigration. Cases of yellow fever have increased in Colombia in recent years. Medway Pharmacy is a registered YFVC and can issue your certificate on the same day as your vaccination. Allow at least 10 days before travel for the vaccine to become fully effective.
Is malaria a risk in Colombia?
Malaria is present in rural and jungle lowland areas of Colombia, particularly below 1,600m elevation. It is not a risk in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena or Barranquilla. If your itinerary includes jungle trekking or remote rural areas, our travel health team at Medway Pharmacy can advise on whether antimalarial tablets are appropriate.
How quickly can I get vaccinated before my trip to Colombia?
Medway Pharmacy is open 7:30am–10pm, 7 days a week, and can vaccinate you the same day. The yellow fever vaccine should ideally be given at least 10 days before travel, so acting promptly is important. Walk-ins welcome — no GP referral needed.
What health risks should I know about when visiting Cartagena or Bogotá?
Bogotá sits above 2,600m elevation, so yellow fever and malaria are not a concern in the capital itself. Cartagena and other coastal cities carry dengue and Zika risk from mosquitoes. However, the yellow fever certificate requirement applies to all arrivals in Colombia regardless of where you land. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination is recommended for any Colombian itinerary.
Ready to get protected?
Book a travel health appointment at Medway Pharmacy. Same-day slots available, open until 10pm.
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