In brief
The short answer
Most travel vaccines cause nothing more than a sore, red or slightly swollen arm, sometimes with a headache, tiredness or a mild temperature. These usually start within a few hours to three days and settle within one to three days. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, which is why you are asked to wait briefly after your jab.
- A sore arm, headache or tiredness for a day or two is normal
- Most reactions start within 3 days and settle within 1 to 3 days
- MMR and chickenpox reactions can appear 1 to 3 weeks later
- Several travel vaccines can safely be given on the same day
What is normal after a travel jab
Pain, redness or a small lump where the needle went in is the most common reaction to any injected vaccine. It usually starts within a few hours and goes away on its own. Some people also feel tired, get a headache or aching muscles, or run a mild temperature for a day or so.
These reactions are a sign your immune system is responding.
Side effects vaccine by vaccine
This table summarises the reactions listed as common in the UK patient leaflets for each vaccine. Your pharmacist will give you the leaflet for the exact product you receive.
| Vaccine | Common reactions | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Sore, red arm, headache, tiredness, mild temperature | Settles within a few days |
| Hepatitis B | Sore, red arm, tiredness | Settles within a few days |
| Hepatitis A and B combined | Sore arm, headache, tiredness, sometimes nausea | Settles within a few days |
| Typhoid (injection) | Sore arm, aching muscles, tiredness | Starts within 3 days, settles in 1 to 3 days |
| Typhoid (oral capsules) | Stomach ache, nausea, loose stools, headache | During the course |
| Diphtheria, tetanus and polio | Sore, red or swollen arm, sometimes a small lump, dizziness | Settles within a few days, the lump can last longer |
| Rabies | Sore or firm arm, headache, tiredness, dizziness | Settles within 1 to 3 days |
| Japanese encephalitis | Sore arm, headache, aching muscles, tiredness | Starts within 3 days, settles within a few days |
| Cholera (oral drink) | Occasional stomach upset or headache | Uncommon |
| Meningitis ACWY | Sore arm, headache, tiredness, sometimes a temperature | Settles within a few days |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | Sore arm, headache, aching muscles or joints | Settles within a few days |
Reactions that come later: MMR and chickenpox
MMR and chickenpox are live vaccines, so their reactions follow a different timetable. After MMR some people get a rash and temperature 7 to 11 days later, or swollen glands or achy joints after 2 to 3 weeks. These usually last 2 to 3 days. After chickenpox vaccine a few spots can appear, around the injection site or elsewhere, within a month.
Women are advised to avoid becoming pregnant for one month after MMR or chickenpox vaccine. If there is any chance you are pregnant, tell the pharmacist before your appointment.
Should I take paracetamol?
If your arm is sore or you feel feverish afterwards, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, as long as they are suitable for you. The UK immunisation guidance advises against taking them before the jab just in case, because this may slightly reduce how well some vaccines work.
A cold compress on the arm and moving it normally also help with stiffness.
Can I have several vaccines on the same day?
Yes. UK guidance says most travel vaccines can be given at the same visit, usually in different arms. This is how many people get everything done in one appointment. The main exception is between some live vaccines, such as MMR and chickenpox, which should be given on the same day or at least four weeks apart. Your pharmacist plans this for you.
Having a jab when you are unwell, pregnant or breastfeeding
A cold or minor illness without a temperature is not usually a reason to delay. If you have a fever or feel properly unwell, it is better to rearrange for a few days.
Many travel vaccines can be given in pregnancy or while breastfeeding when the risk of the disease is high, but some are best avoided and live vaccines are not given in pregnancy. Always tell us if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, and the pharmacist will go through each vaccine with you.
When to get help
Serious allergic reactions are very rare, fewer than one in a million doses in the UK, and they almost always start within minutes. That is why you may be asked to wait for a short time after your vaccine before you leave.
Once you are home, call NHS 111 if a reaction is getting worse rather than better, or if you are worried. Call 999 if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or feel faint and clammy. You can also call us during opening hours.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Usually one to three days. A small firm lump can last a little longer after some vaccines, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster, and goes on its own.
There is no official rule against flying after travel vaccines. Most reactions are mild and short-lived, but booking at least a few weeks ahead means any side effects are over before you go and the vaccines have time to work.
Most people can. Some vaccines occasionally cause dizziness, so if you feel light-headed wait until it passes before driving.
Some people get a mild stomach ache, nausea or loose stools during the course. The capsules also interact with antibiotics and some malaria tablets, so the pharmacist will explain the timing when you collect them.
Final vaccine and medicine recommendations always depend on your medical history, previous vaccinations, current travel health guidance, trip duration and planned activities. This page is general information, not a personal clinical recommendation — book a consultation so our pharmacist can assess your individual trip.