Planning an international trip from Ireland? Whether you are heading to Southeast Asia for a backpacking adventure, visiting family in Africa, or exploring the Amazon, proper travel health preparation is essential. Getting the right vaccines and medications before you travel can prevent serious illness and ensure you enjoy your trip without health worries.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about travel health in Ireland, from when to start preparing to what vaccines you may need and how to get malaria prevention tablets online.
Planning Your Travel Health: Start 4-6 Weeks Early
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is leaving health preparations until the last minute. Many travel vaccines require multiple doses given weeks apart, and some take time to become fully effective.
Why the 4-6 Week Rule Matters
Vaccine schedules: Some vaccines, like hepatitis B and rabies, require a series of three injections over several weeks. If you wait until a week before travel, you may not complete the full course.
Immune response time: Your body needs time to build immunity after vaccination. Most vaccines provide protection within 2-4 weeks, but some take longer.
Medication trials: If you are taking malaria tablets, it can be helpful to start them a few days before travel to ensure you tolerate them well, especially with mefloquine which should be started 2-3 weeks in advance.
Appointment availability: Travel clinics and GPs can be busy during peak travel seasons. Booking early ensures you get appointments when you need them.
What If You Have Less Than 4 Weeks?
Do not panic. While not ideal, some protection is better than none. Even partial vaccine courses or accelerated schedules can provide meaningful protection. Contact a travel health provider as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Common Travel Vaccines: What You May Need
The vaccines you need depend on where you are travelling, what activities you will be doing, and your personal medical history. Here are the most commonly recommended travel vaccines for Irish travellers.
Hepatitis A
What it is: A viral infection affecting the liver, spread through contaminated food and water.
Who needs it: Travellers to regions with poor sanitation, including most of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Vaccine schedule: Single dose provides protection for about 1 year. A booster dose 6-12 months later provides protection for at least 20 years.
How quickly it works: Protection develops within 2-4 weeks of the first dose.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 50-70 per dose.
Hepatitis A is one of the most commonly recommended travel vaccines because the infection is widespread in popular tourist destinations. Even luxury resorts in affected regions carry some risk.
Hepatitis B
What it is: A viral infection affecting the liver, spread through blood and body fluids.
Who needs it: Travellers who may have medical procedures abroad, those engaging in activities with risk of injury, long-term travellers, and anyone who may have sexual contact with local partners.
Vaccine schedule: Three doses given over 6 months (standard schedule) or 3 weeks (accelerated schedule). A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix) is available.
How quickly it works: Protection develops after the second or third dose.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 45-65 per dose, or EUR 60-80 for the combined vaccine.
Many Irish people already have hepatitis B vaccination from childhood immunisation programmes introduced in recent decades. Check your vaccination records before paying for this vaccine.
Typhoid
What it is: A bacterial infection causing high fever, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms, spread through contaminated food and water.
Who needs it: Travellers to South Asia (highest risk), Africa, Central and South America, and other regions with poor sanitation.
Vaccine options:
- Injectable vaccine: Single dose, provides 70-80% protection for about 3 years
- Oral vaccine (Vivotif): Three capsules taken on alternate days, provides 50-70% protection for about 3 years
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 40-60 (injectable) or EUR 35-50 (oral).
South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, has the highest typhoid rates globally. The vaccine provides good but not complete protection, so food and water precautions remain important.
Yellow Fever
What it is: A viral disease spread by mosquitoes, causing fever, jaundice, and potentially fatal complications.
Who needs it: Travellers to parts of Africa and South America where yellow fever is endemic.
Certificate requirement: Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. This is documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as a yellow card.
Vaccine schedule: Single dose provides lifelong protection for most people. Some individuals may need a booster.
Important: Yellow fever vaccine can only be administered at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Not all GPs or travel clinics are authorised to give this vaccine.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 70-100 including the certificate.
Rabies
What it is: A fatal viral disease spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly dogs.
Who needs it: Travellers to high-risk regions (especially Asia and Africa) who will be:
- Trekking or cycling in remote areas far from medical facilities
- Caving (bat exposure risk)
- Working with or around animals
- Travelling for extended periods (more than a month)
- Travelling with young children (who may not report animal contact)
Vaccine schedule: Pre-exposure vaccination requires three doses given on days 0, 7, and 21-28.
Why pre-exposure vaccination matters: Pre-exposure rabies vaccination does not eliminate the need for treatment after a potential exposure, but it:
- Simplifies post-exposure treatment (only 2 booster doses needed instead of 5)
- Eliminates the need for rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which may be unavailable or of poor quality in many countries
- Provides more time to seek appropriate medical care
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 55-75 per dose (EUR 165-225 for full course).
Japanese Encephalitis
What it is: A viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes in rural parts of Asia.
Who needs it: Travellers spending extended time (usually more than one month) in rural areas of Asia, particularly during the monsoon season.
Vaccine schedule: Two doses given 28 days apart, with protection lasting at least 2 years.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 90-120 per dose.
Meningococcal Meningitis
What it is: A serious bacterial infection causing meningitis and blood poisoning.
Who needs it:
- Travellers to the African meningitis belt (sub-Saharan Africa) during the dry season (December-June)
- Hajj and Umrah pilgrims (Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination)
- Anyone travelling to outbreak areas
Vaccine options: The ACWY vaccine covers four strains and is most commonly recommended for travel.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 60-80.
Malaria Prevention: Tablets, Risks, and How to Get Them
Malaria remains one of the most serious health risks for travellers, with about 40 cases diagnosed in Ireland each year among returning travellers. Proper prevention is essential.
Understanding Malaria Risk
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which are most active between dusk and dawn. The disease is present in:
High-risk regions:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Accounts for over 90% of global malaria deaths. Countries like Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Mozambique have the highest rates.
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Southeast Asia: Parts of Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos (but low risk in most tourist areas)
- Central and South America: Amazon basin region, parts of Central America
Factors affecting risk:
- Season: Risk may be higher during or after rainy seasons
- Altitude: Malaria is less common at high altitudes
- Urban vs rural: Cities typically have lower risk than rural areas
- Accommodation type: Air-conditioned rooms with screened windows carry lower risk
- Duration of stay: Longer trips mean greater cumulative risk
Antimalarial Medications Available in Ireland
Three main antimalarial tablets are prescribed in Ireland. The best choice depends on your destination, medical history, and personal preferences.
#### Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
How it works: Kills malaria parasites in the liver and blood stages.
Dosing: One tablet daily, starting 1-2 days before entering the malaria area, continuing daily during travel, and for 7 days after leaving.
Advantages:
- Well-tolerated with few side effects
- Short tail (only 7 days after leaving malaria zone)
- Can be started close to departure
- Suitable for last-minute travellers
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive option
- Must be taken with food or a milky drink
Side effects: Generally mild - occasional nausea, headache, or abdominal pain.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 3-5 per tablet, so a two-week trip costs around EUR 55-85.
#### Doxycycline
How it works: Antibiotic that kills malaria parasites in the blood stage.
Dosing: One 100mg capsule daily, starting 1-2 days before entering the malaria area, continuing daily during travel, and for 28 days after leaving.
Advantages:
- Least expensive option
- May also help prevent travellers' diarrhoea and some skin infections
- Well-suited for long trips due to lower cost
Disadvantages:
- Must be taken for 28 days after leaving the malaria zone
- Causes sun sensitivity (increased risk of sunburn)
- Cannot be taken by pregnant women or children under 12
- Can cause stomach upset if not taken with food
Side effects: Photosensitivity (use high SPF sunscreen), nausea, vaginal thrush in women.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 0.30-0.60 per capsule.
#### Mefloquine (Lariam)
How it works: Kills malaria parasites in the blood stage.
Dosing: One tablet weekly, starting 2-3 weeks before travel, continuing weekly during travel, and for 4 weeks after leaving.
Advantages:
- Weekly dosing is convenient for long trips
- Less expensive than Malarone
- Can be used in pregnancy (second and third trimesters)
Disadvantages:
- Must be started 2-3 weeks before travel to check for side effects
- Cannot be used by people with certain psychiatric or neurological conditions
- Not suitable for scuba divers or pilots
Side effects: Dizziness, vivid dreams, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression (rare but can be severe).
Important: Due to potential psychiatric side effects, mefloquine should be started 2-3 weeks before departure to ensure you tolerate it well before travelling.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 3-4 per tablet.
How to Get Malaria Tablets Online with GetYourGP
Getting [malaria prevention tablets](/services/malaria-prevention) has never been more convenient. Here is how the online process works:
- Complete our travel health questionnaire: Provide details about your destination, travel dates, accommodation, activities, and medical history.
- GP review: An Irish-registered GP reviews your information and determines the most appropriate antimalarial for your trip.
- Online consultation (if needed): For complex itineraries or medical histories, a video consultation may be arranged.
- Prescription issued: Your prescription is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
- Collect your tablets: Pick up your antimalarials from any Irish pharmacy, ready for your trip.
Benefits of online consultations for malaria tablets:
- No need to visit a travel clinic in person
- Same-day prescriptions available
- Convenient for busy schedules
- Expert advice on the best antimalarial for your trip
- Reminders about other travel health measures
Mosquito Bite Prevention
Antimalarials are highly effective, but no medication provides 100% protection. Combine medication with bite prevention:
- Use DEET-based insect repellent (30-50% DEET) on exposed skin
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if sleeping in non-air-conditioned accommodation
- Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn
- Stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms where possible
- Consider permethrin treatment for clothing and nets
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Diamox and Beyond
If your travels include high-altitude destinations like Machu Picchu, the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, or even La Paz, altitude sickness is a real concern.
Understanding Altitude Sickness
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs when you ascend faster than your body can acclimatise to reduced oxygen levels. Symptoms typically appear above 2,500 metres and can range from mild headache and fatigue to life-threatening complications.
Common symptoms:
- Headache (most common)
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
Severe complications:
- High-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE): Brain swelling causing confusion, loss of coordination
- High-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs causing breathlessness, cough
Acetazolamide (Diamox) for Prevention
Acetazolamide is a prescription medication that helps prevent and treat altitude sickness by speeding up acclimatisation.
How it works: Diamox causes the kidneys to excrete more bicarbonate, acidifying the blood. This stimulates faster, deeper breathing, improving oxygen levels.
Dosing for prevention: 125mg or 250mg twice daily, starting 24-48 hours before ascent and continuing for 2-3 days after reaching maximum altitude.
Who should consider it:
- Anyone ascending rapidly to high altitudes (above 3,000m)
- Those with previous altitude sickness
- Travellers on fixed itineraries with limited time for acclimatisation
- Older travellers or those with lung or heart conditions
Side effects:
- Tingling in fingers, toes, and face (common but harmless)
- Increased urination
- Altered taste (carbonated drinks taste flat)
- Rarely: nausea, drowsiness
Contraindications: Acetazolamide is a sulfonamide - do not take if you have a sulfa allergy.
Cost in Ireland: Approximately EUR 15-25 for a course.
Other Altitude Medications
- Dexamethasone: A steroid used for treating (not preventing) severe altitude sickness
- Nifedipine: Used for treating high-altitude pulmonary oedema
Non-Medication Prevention
- Ascend gradually: The golden rule is not to increase sleeping altitude by more than 300-500m per day above 3,000m
- Include rest days: Plan extra days for acclimatisation on treks
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol in the first few days at altitude
- Recognise symptoms early: Descend if symptoms worsen despite rest
Travellers' Diarrhoea: Prevention and Treatment Kits
Travellers' diarrhoea affects up to 40% of travellers to developing countries. While usually not serious, it can ruin travel plans.
Prevention
- Drink safe water: Bottled water with sealed caps, or boiled/purified water
- Ice caution: Ice may be made from unsafe water
- Food safety: Eat freshly cooked, hot food. Avoid salads, unpeeled fruit, and buffet food that has been sitting out
- Street food: Can be safe if cooked fresh and served hot
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently or use alcohol hand gel
Treatment Kits: What to Pack
Consider asking your GP for a travellers' diarrhoea treatment kit before departure:
Oral rehydration salts (ORS): Essential for replacing fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea.
Loperamide (Imodium): Slows gut motility, useful for travel days when you cannot afford to be near a toilet. Do not use if you have bloody diarrhoea or fever.
Antibiotics: Your GP may prescribe a course of antibiotics (typically ciprofloxacin or azithromycin) for self-treatment of moderate to severe bacterial diarrhoea. This is particularly useful for remote travel where medical care is not readily available.
When to seek medical help:
- Blood in stool
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
- Signs of dehydration
Travel Health by Destination
Southeast Asia
Countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore
Common vaccine recommendations:
- Hepatitis A (essential)
- Typhoid (recommended, especially off the beaten path)
- Hepatitis B (for longer trips or medical risk)
- Japanese encephalitis (for rural travel over one month)
- Rabies (for adventure travel or extended stays)
Malaria: Risk varies greatly. Most tourist areas in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have minimal risk. Higher risk in border regions, rural Cambodia, parts of Indonesia outside Bali.
Other health considerations:
- Dengue fever (no vaccine widely available - use mosquito precautions)
- Zika virus (avoid if pregnant or trying to conceive)
- Food and water-borne illnesses are common
Africa
Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda
Common vaccine recommendations:
- Hepatitis A (essential for most destinations)
- Typhoid (essential for most of sub-Saharan Africa)
- Yellow fever (required or recommended for many countries)
- Meningococcal ACWY (for the meningitis belt)
- Hepatitis B (recommended for extended travel)
- Rabies (recommended for adventure travel)
Malaria: High risk throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Antimalarials are essential for travel to most countries except for very limited low-risk areas like central Nairobi.
Other health considerations:
- Cholera (oral vaccine available for high-risk areas)
- Schistosomiasis (avoid freshwater swimming in endemic areas)
- HIV/AIDS awareness
South America
Countries: Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile
Common vaccine recommendations:
- Hepatitis A (essential)
- Typhoid (recommended for most destinations)
- Yellow fever (required for Amazon regions)
- Rabies (for Amazon jungle travel)
- Hepatitis B (for longer trips)
Malaria: Risk in Amazon basin regions of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador. No risk in major cities, coastal areas, Machu Picchu, or Patagonia.
Altitude sickness: Consider Diamox for:
- Cusco and Machu Picchu (Peru) - 3,400m
- La Paz (Bolivia) - 3,640m
- Quito (Ecuador) - 2,850m
Other health considerations:
- Dengue fever
- Zika virus
- Chagas disease (avoid sleeping in mud/thatch buildings)
What an Online Travel Consultation Covers
When you book a [travel health consultation](/consultations) with GetYourGP, our Irish-registered GPs provide comprehensive advice tailored to your specific trip.
During Your Consultation
Itinerary review: We assess your destination(s), travel duration, accommodation type, and planned activities to determine your specific risks.
Vaccine recommendations: Based on your itinerary and medical history, we advise which vaccines you need, provide prescriptions where possible, and refer you to vaccination centres for specialised vaccines like yellow fever.
Malaria assessment: We determine whether you need antimalarials and prescribe the most appropriate medication for your destination and personal circumstances.
Altitude sickness: If you are travelling to high-altitude destinations, we discuss prevention strategies and can prescribe Diamox.
Travellers' diarrhoea kit: We can provide prescriptions for self-treatment medication.
General travel advice: Sun protection, jet lag management, travel insurance recommendations, and what to pack in your medical kit.
Existing conditions: We advise on managing chronic conditions while travelling and ensure you have adequate medication supplies.
After Your Consultation
- Prescriptions sent to your chosen pharmacy
- Written travel health advice
- Referrals to specialist centres if needed (yellow fever vaccination centres)
- Follow-up available if questions arise
When You Need a Travel Clinic vs Online Doctor
Online consultations are ideal for many travel health needs, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Online Consultation is Suitable For
- Malaria tablet prescriptions
- Altitude sickness medication
- Travellers' diarrhoea kits
- General travel health advice
- Hepatitis A and B prescriptions (for administration at your pharmacy or GP)
- Typhoid vaccine prescriptions
- Follow-up questions and advice
In-Person Travel Clinic is Needed For
- Yellow fever vaccination: Only available at designated centres
- Rabies vaccination: Requires specialist ordering and handling
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine: Often only available at travel clinics
- Multiple vaccines at once: More efficiently administered in person
- Complex medical histories: Some conditions may require physical assessment
- Very last-minute travel: When vaccines need to be given immediately
Finding a Travel Clinic in Ireland
Designated travel vaccination centres are located in major cities including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. Your local GP may also offer travel health services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I see a doctor before travelling?
Ideally 4-6 weeks before departure. This allows time for vaccines to take effect and for multi-dose schedules. However, even last-minute consultations are valuable, so do not skip travel health advice even if you are leaving soon.
Do I need vaccines for Europe?
Generally no. EU countries have similar vaccination requirements to Ireland. However, tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may be recommended for outdoor activities in Central and Eastern European forests.
Can I get travel vaccines on the medical card?
Most travel vaccines are not covered by the GMS medical card as they are considered travel-related rather than medically necessary. Hepatitis B may be an exception in some circumstances.
Are travel vaccines safe?
Yes. All vaccines approved in Ireland have undergone rigorous safety testing. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever.
Can I get malaria tablets over the counter in Ireland?
No. All antimalarial medications are prescription-only in Ireland. You need a consultation with a doctor or nurse prescriber.
What if I forget to take my malaria tablets?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Never take a double dose. Missing doses reduces effectiveness, so set phone reminders to help you remember.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for my destination?
Yellow fever certificate requirements vary by country. Some require it for all arrivals, some only for arrivals from endemic countries, and some do not require it at all. Check the specific requirements for your destination on the HSE or IAMAT websites.
Can pregnant women take malaria tablets?
Some antimalarials can be used in pregnancy. Mefloquine is considered safe in the second and third trimesters, and atovaquone/proguanil may be used if essential. However, the best advice for pregnant women is to avoid travelling to high-risk malaria areas if possible.
Is travel insurance important?
Absolutely. Medical care abroad can be extremely expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and the activities you plan to do (adventure sports may need additional cover).
Get Prepared for Your Trip
Do not leave your travel health to chance. Proper preparation can prevent serious illness and ensure you enjoy your travels without health worries.
Ready to get your travel health sorted? [Book an online consultation](/consultations) with one of our Irish-registered GPs. We can advise on vaccines, prescribe malaria tablets, provide altitude sickness medication, and prepare you for a safe, healthy trip.
Need [malaria prevention tablets](/services/malaria-prevention)? Our online service makes it quick and convenient to get the right antimalarials for your destination.
Travel smart. Travel healthy. Travel with confidence.
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*This article was reviewed by Dr. Fasi Ullah, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council with expertise in travel health. Last updated January 2026.*
*Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Travel health recommendations change frequently based on disease outbreaks and other factors. Always seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional before travelling.*