Travel vaccinations for children in Chislehurst. Which jabs your child can have and from what age, how malaria tablets work for kids, and booking the whole family in together.
Taking the children abroad usually raises the same question: which jabs do they actually need, and are they old enough to have them? The honest answer is that most travel vaccines can be given to children, but the minimum age differs from one vaccine to the next, and a few work differently for under-18s than they do for adults. We see families from across Chislehurst, Bromley and South East London, and we can usually get everyone seen in one appointment without a GP referral.
The table below shows the usual minimum ages. These are the licensed ages for the products commonly used in the UK, and your pharmacist confirms what is right for your child at the consultation.
| Vaccine | Usually available from |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 12 months |
| Hepatitis B | From birth |
| Rabies | From birth |
| Japanese encephalitis | 2 months (smaller dose under 3 years) |
| Typhoid (injection) | 2 years |
| Meningitis ACWY | From 6 weeks, depending on the product used |
| Diphtheria, tetanus and polio | 6 years for the standard booster; under-6s need a different formulation |
Rabies is worth a particular mention for families. Children are considered higher priority than adults, because they are more likely to approach animals and less likely to tell you about a lick, scratch or small bite. Our rabies vaccine guide covers this in full.
These catch families out more than anything else, and they are worth knowing before you book your trip rather than after.
Second, the standard diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster is licensed from six years. Younger children need a different formulation, so a family booster is not always one-size-fits-all. Third, malaria tablets for children are dosed by weight rather than age, which is covered below.
Antimalarials for children are prescribed by weight, not age, and not every option is suitable. A paediatric form of atovaquone/proguanil is available for children from around 11kg, while doxycycline is not used in children under 12. Bite avoidance matters just as much as the tablets: nets, repellent and covering up at dusk. We go through the right option for each child, and can prescribe at the same appointment. There is more detail on our malaria prevention page.
The simplest approach is to book everyone together. One appointment, one travel plan, and the pharmacist can see at a glance what each person needs for the same trip. It also avoids the common problem of parents getting sorted and the children needing a second visit later. Tell us how many of you are travelling when you book so we can allow enough time, and bring everyone’s vaccination records if you have them.
It depends entirely on the vaccine. Some, including hepatitis B and rabies, can be given from birth. Others, such as the typhoid injection, are not used below two years. Babies and very young children travelling to higher-risk destinations are worth a conversation well before you fly.
No. This is a private, pharmacist-led service and you can book directly with us. A parent or guardian needs to attend with the child.
Earlier than you would for adults alone. Several vaccines are given as a course, and the faster accelerated schedules available to adults are not always licensed for children. Four to six weeks ahead is comfortable; sooner is better for Asia or Africa.
Bring the red book and we will work out what is still in date. Children in the UK already receive several relevant vaccines through the NHS childhood programme, so they often need fewer travel jabs than parents expect.
Yes, and that is usually the easiest way to do it. Let us know the number of people travelling when you book so we can set aside enough time.
Minimum ages reflect the licensed ages of products commonly used in the UK and can vary by product. Suitability is assessed individually for each child at the consultation. This page is general information, not medical advice. Travel vaccines are prescription-only and given where clinically appropriate.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your consultation at either Chislehurst Pharmacy Group location. Same-day and next-day appointments usually available.
