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 Pakistan
Pakistan is a key destination for one of the largest diaspora communities in the UK, with significant numbers of British Pakistanis living across Medway and Kent. If you're visiting family in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or anywhere else in Pakistan, it's important not to assume your heritage protects you. Years of living in the UK means your immunity to diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid has likely declined, and your risk exposure as an adult visitor differs from childhood. Polio vaccination is also a critical consideration — Pakistan is one of very few countries where wild poliovirus still circulates, and proof of polio vaccination may be required on return. Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Gillingham offers same-day appointments with no GP referral, open every day until 10pm.
- Typhoid is a significant risk through contaminated food and water, with VFR travellers at elevated risk due to eating in local homes
- Hepatitis A transmission is common; immunity from childhood exposure wanes after years living in the UK
- Wild poliovirus continues to circulate in Pakistan — vaccination status must be up to date and documented for some border crossings
- Rabies is present in dogs, cats, and other animals; access to post-exposure treatment can be limited outside major cities
- Dengue fever is prevalent particularly in urban areas; daytime mosquito bite avoidance is essential
Our pharmacists at Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5LJ provide personalised travel health advice for Pakistan 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 Pakistan
Where can I get travel vaccinations for Pakistan in Kent?
Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic at 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5LJ provides all recommended vaccinations for travel to Pakistan including hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, and rabies. Same-day appointments are available with no GP referral needed. Open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 10pm.
How much do travel vaccinations for Pakistan cost?
At Medway Pharmacy, Pakistan travel vaccinations start from £55 for hepatitis A and £55 for typhoid. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is from £85 per dose. Polio booster is available as part of a combined vaccine. We're open until 10pm every day so you can book at a time that suits you.
Do I need travel vaccinations for Pakistan if I was born there?
Absolutely — this is one of the most common and dangerous assumptions among the British Pakistani community. Once you're living in the UK, your immune system stops being regularly exposed to pathogens like typhoid and hepatitis A that circulate in Pakistan's water and food supply. Immunity wanes, often within 5–10 years. Additionally, poliovirus still circulates in Pakistan, and the UK's polio schedule may not provide current protection. VFR travellers are statistically at greater risk of travel-acquired typhoid and hepatitis A than package holiday tourists. Please book a consultation at our Gillingham clinic.
How quickly can I get vaccinated before travelling to Pakistan?
Ideally 4–6 weeks before departure to allow all vaccines to take full effect. However, last-minute vaccination is far better than none — Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic offers same-day appointments every day until 10pm. Hepatitis A offers immediate protection from a single dose, and typhoid vaccine is effective within approximately two weeks.
Do I need a polio vaccine before travelling to Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan is one of only a small number of countries where wild poliovirus is still found. NaTHNaC recommends travellers ensure they are up to date with their polio vaccination. For long-stay travellers (over 4 weeks), a booster dose within the last 12 months may be required as proof of vaccination when leaving the country. Our pharmacist can check your vaccination records and provide a booster if needed.
Is there a malaria risk in Pakistan?
There is a risk of malaria in some rural and border areas of Pakistan, particularly in parts of Balochistan, FATA, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If you are visiting cities like Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad, the risk is generally low. Our pharmacist will assess your specific itinerary to determine whether antimalarial tablets are recommended for your trip.
Ready to get protected?
Book a travel health appointment at Medway Pharmacy. Same-day slots available, open until 10pm.
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