Travelling abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with health risks that should not be overlooked. The NHS Fit for Travel service provides information on health precautions, vaccinations, and travel safety to help you prepare before leaving the UK. At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we complement this advice with personalised travel health consultations, ensuring you receive the right vaccines, medicines, and guidance for your trip.
What Is NHS Fit for Travel?
NHS Fit for Travel is an online resource developed to provide travellers with up-to-date health advice for destinations worldwide. It helps you identify what vaccinations you may need, which diseases are present in your chosen country, and what precautions to take to stay safe.
The service is especially useful for:
- –> Checking if you need travel vaccinations
- –> Finding out about malaria risk areas
- –> Understanding food and water safety abroad
- –> Learning about insect-borne illnesses
- –> Preparing for high-altitude or tropical travel
While Fit for Travel is an excellent starting point, it does not replace professional medical advice. That’s where Market Harborough Pharmacy comes in.
Why Consult a Pharmacy for Travel Health?
Every traveller is unique, and while NHS Fit for Travel provides general advice, your personal health, medical history, and travel plans need to be considered. At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we provide individual consultations to make sure you are fully prepared for your trip. We assess your itinerary, identify risks, and recommend the right vaccinations and medicines for you.
Our Travel Health Services
When you book a consultation with us, we can support you with:
- –> Travel vaccinations, including typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and more
- –> Anti-malarial medication tailored to your destination
- –> Advice on food and water hygiene abroad
- –> Guidance on avoiding insect bites and staying safe
- –> Specialist advice for families, older travellers, or those with medical conditions
Preparing for Your Trip
Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to travel health. Many vaccinations need to be given weeks before you travel in order to be effective. For example, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are best administered at least two to three weeks before departure.
By combining NHS Fit for Travel advice with a personalised consultation at Market Harborough Pharmacy, you can be sure you are taking the right precautions for your journey. We recommend booking your appointment as soon as you know your travel plans.
Why Travel Vaccinations Matter
Diseases that are rare in the UK may be common in other parts of the world. Vaccinations protect not only your health but also prevent the spread of illness to others when you return home. Some countries also require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry, such as yellow fever in certain African and South American destinations.
Examples of common travel vaccinations include:
- –> Typhoid: Protects against food- and water-borne illness.
- –> Hepatitis A: Prevents infection caused by contaminated food and water.
- –> Yellow Fever: Required for travel to some countries; provides long-term protection.
- –> Rabies: Recommended for long stays or rural travel in high-risk areas.
Beyond Vaccines: Staying Healthy Abroad
Good travel health is about more than just vaccines. NHS Fit for Travel highlights lifestyle precautions that are equally important. These include:
- –> Using insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
- –> Drinking bottled or boiled water in high-risk areas
- –> Wearing protective clothing to reduce sun exposure
- –> Practising good hygiene to avoid food poisoning
At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we reinforce these messages and provide practical tips tailored to your destination and circumstances.
How Market Harborough Pharmacy Supports You
While NHS Fit for Travel is a great reference tool, our pharmacy offers the personalised support you need before your trip. Our healthcare professionals will ensure:
- –> You receive the correct vaccines and medicines
- –> Your personal medical history is taken into account
- –> You feel confident and well-prepared for your travels
- –> You have access to ongoing advice before and after your trip
Book Your Travel Health Consultation Today
If you’re planning to travel abroad, don’t leave your health to chance. Use NHS Fit for Travel as a guide, and then book your personalised consultation with Market Harborough Pharmacy for expert advice, vaccinations, and peace of mind.
Book Now to arrange your travel health appointment and make sure you’re fit for travel.
This blog was written on behalf of Market Harborough Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
