Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about travel vaccinations, appointments, and costs at Medway Travel Clinic.
Appointments & Booking
- How do I book a travel health appointment?
- You can book online in minutes via our booking system — same-day and evening slots are often available. Alternatively, call us on 01634 575805 or pop into the pharmacy.
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot, especially for popular vaccines such as yellow fever.
- How far in advance should I book before travelling?
- We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks before your departure. Some vaccine courses require multiple doses spaced several weeks apart. That said, we accommodate last-minute travellers wherever possible — even if you're flying next week, please get in touch.
- What happens at my first appointment?
- A pharmacist will review your itinerary, medical history, and vaccination records, then advise on the vaccines and medications you need. The £20 consultation fee covers this assessment.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- A £5 cancellation fee applies to missed appointments. Please give us as much notice as possible so your slot can be offered to another patient.
Vaccines & Medications
- Which travel vaccines do you offer?
- We offer a full range of travel vaccines including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, and more. We also prescribe malaria prevention tablets.
- Are you an approved yellow fever vaccination centre?
- Yes. Medway Travel Clinic is an approved yellow fever vaccination centre. We can issue an official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — the 'yellow card' — which is required for entry into certain countries.
- How long does a yellow fever certificate last?
- A yellow fever certificate is now valid for life (it used to expire after 10 years). You only need one dose unless specific medical circumstances apply.
- Do some vaccines need multiple doses?
- Yes. For example, hepatitis B typically requires 3 doses, and the rabies pre-exposure course involves 3 doses. This is one reason we recommend booking as early as possible before travel.
- Can I get malaria tablets here?
- Yes. We prescribe and dispense antimalarial medication. Your pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your destination, itinerary, and medical history.
Costs & Payment
- Are travel vaccinations available on the NHS?
- No. Travel vaccinations are not NHS-funded — all travel health services at our clinic are private and self-pay. This is consistent with NHS policy nationwide: travel vaccines are considered elective, not routine.
- How much does a consultation cost?
- The initial travel health consultation costs £20. This covers the pharmacist's assessment of your itinerary and personalised vaccine recommendations. Vaccine and medication costs are additional and vary by type.
- Where can I see your vaccine prices?
- Full pricing is listed on our Vaccines page and on the homepage pricing table. Prices are displayed clearly before you book.
- What payment methods do you accept?
- We accept cash and all major debit and credit cards.
Travel Health Advice
- Do I need vaccines for every destination?
- Not necessarily. Requirements vary significantly by country and the type of travel. Our pharmacist will give you destination-specific advice based on official guidelines from TravelHealthPro and the NaTHNaC.
- Where can I find official travel health information for my destination?
- TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk) is the UK's leading resource for country-by-country travel health guidance. We use this alongside our clinical assessment to advise you.
- What should I do if I'm travelling at short notice?
- Contact us as soon as possible. Even a few days' lead time can allow us to give at least partial protection for some vaccines. Some vaccines, like yellow fever, are single-dose and effective from day 10 after vaccination.
- Do you provide advice for family travel, including children?
- Yes. We advise the whole family including infants and children. Vaccine recommendations and dosing may differ for younger travellers, and our pharmacist will tailor advice accordingly.
Ready to book your travel vaccinations?
Same-day slots often available. Open 7 days a week until 10pm.
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