In brief
The short answer
Most travel vaccines can be given to children, but each has its own minimum age, from birth for hepatitis B to 2 years for injected typhoid and cholera. Start by making sure your child's routine NHS vaccines are up to date, then book a consultation 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. The pharmacist assesses each child individually.
- Check routine NHS childhood vaccines are up to date first
- Minimum ages differ by vaccine, from birth to 5 years
- Malaria tablet doses for children are worked out by weight
- 50% DEET repellent can be used from 2 months of age
Start with the routine NHS vaccines
The NHS childhood schedule already protects against several diseases that matter abroad, including measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis B. Since January 2026 chickenpox has also been added to the routine schedule for young children. Check your child's red book or ask your GP surgery before your appointment, because catching up on these is often the first step.
Measles is a particular concern for family travel, with outbreaks in several popular destinations. Babies from 6 months can have an early MMR dose before travel, although they will still need their two routine doses later.
The youngest age for each travel vaccine
These are the minimum ages in the UK licence or UK guidance. The pharmacist will confirm which vaccines are suitable for your child and their trip.
| Vaccine | From age |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Birth |
| Japanese encephalitis | 2 months |
| Meningitis ACWY | 6 weeks to 2 years, depending on the vaccine |
| MMR (early travel dose) | 6 months |
| Chickenpox | 9 months |
| Hepatitis A | 1 year |
| Hepatitis A and B combined | 1 year |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | 1 year |
| Typhoid (injection) | 2 years |
| Cholera (oral) | 2 years |
| Typhoid (oral capsules) | 5 years |
| Rabies | Any age |
Rabies and children
Around 40% of people bitten by animals suspected of rabies are children under 15. Children are drawn to dogs, cats and monkeys, are more likely to be bitten on the face and may not tell you about a scratch or lick.
Talk to your children before you go. Tell them never to touch animals, and that they will not be in trouble if they tell you about a bite, scratch or lick. The rabies vaccine is licensed at any age and children have the same dose as adults.
Malaria tablets for children
Children can take malaria tablets, and the dose is worked out from their weight rather than their age, so we will ask for an up-to-date weight. Some tablets are not suitable for young children, for example doxycycline is not used under 12 years.
Never give more than the prescribed dose, and keep all tablets out of children's reach.
Bites, sun and tummy bugs
The most common problems on family holidays have nothing to do with vaccines.
- Insect repellent: 50% DEET can be used on children from 2 months. For younger babies use clothing, nets and covers instead
- Put sun cream on first and repellent on top
- Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun, and use at least SPF 30 with a high UVA rating for older children
- Young children dehydrate quickly with diarrhoea. Pack oral rehydration sachets and give small sips often, even if they are being sick
- Get medical help for blood in the stool, a fever or a child who seems very unwell
Booking for the family
Book 4 to 6 weeks before you travel if you can, and earlier if any of the family need a multi-dose course such as rabies or Japanese encephalitis. Call us to book the whole family together, and bring your child's red book and any previous travel vaccine records.
The consultation is free and we are open 7 days a week with free parking outside, so a weekend appointment works around school.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Some, yes. Hepatitis B can be given from birth and Japanese encephalitis from 2 months, and an early MMR dose is possible from 6 months. Others, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, have to wait until 1 or 2 years.
Some travel vaccines, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, may be free through your GP. Others, including rabies and Japanese encephalitis, are private for children and adults.
A parent or someone with parental responsibility needs to consent for younger children. If another adult is bringing your child, call us first so we can explain what is needed.
Yes. The dose is based on weight. The pharmacist will choose the most suitable option for your child's age and weight.
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.