Some people may experience side effects such as a high temperature or nausea after having certain travel vaccinations. Severe reactions are rare.
Cholera vaccine
After having the cholera vaccine, up to 1% of people may experience symptoms that are similar to a mild stomach upset, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and nausea (feeling sick). Severe reactions are rare.
Diphtheria vaccine
After having the diphtheria vaccine, it is common for there to be temporary soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. A small, painless lump may also form at the injection site. This usually disappears within a few weeks and is not a cause for concern. Severe reactions are very rare.
Hepatitis A vaccine
After having the hepatitis A vaccine, some people develop temporary soreness, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site. A small, painless lump may also form at the injection site. This usually disappears quickly and is not a cause for concern.
Much less common side effects include:
- tiredness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- a slightly raised temperature (mild fever) - a normal temperature is 36-36.8C (96.8-98.24F)
Hepatitis B vaccine
After having the hepatitis B vaccine, some people develop temporary soreness and redness at the injection site. Severe reactions are rare.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine
After having the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, around 20% of people develop temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. About 10% of people who have the vaccine experience other side effects such as:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F)headache
- tiredness
- chills
- dizziness
- nausea or vomiting
- abdominal pain
In a small number of cases (about 0.6%), an allergic reaction to the vaccination can occur. The reaction can cause a rash, swelling of the face, and in rare cases breathing problems.
Any allergic reaction usually occurs within minutes of having the injection, although in some cases it can be delayed for up to 2 weeks. This is why the course should be completed at least 10-14 days before you travel.
Meningococcal meningitis vaccine
After having the ACWY vaccine to protect against groups A, C, W135 and Y meningitis, about 10% of people experience soreness and redness at the injection site. This usually lasts around 24-48 hours. Mild fever can also occur (this is usually more common in young children than in adults). Severe reactions are very rare.
Poliomyelitis vaccine
After having the poliomyelitis vaccine, it is common for there to be temporary soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. A small, painless lump may also form at the injection site, which usually disappears within a few weeks and is not a cause for concern. Severe reactions are very rare.
Rabies vaccine
After having the rabies vaccine, some people experience temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site for 24-48 hours after the vaccination. In rare cases, some people may also experience:
- a mild fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- vomiting
- a rash
Severe reactions are very rare.
Tetanus vaccine
After having the tetanus vaccine, it is common for there to be temporary soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. A small, painless lump may also form at the injection site, which usually disappears within a few weeks and is no cause for concern. Severe reactions are very rare.
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine
After having the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, some people experience temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. Some people may also experience a mild fever within 12 hours of having the vaccination. This usually disappears within 24-48 hours. Severe reactions are rare.
Tuberculosis vaccine
After having the tuberculosis vaccine, children may feel dizzy and they may develop a rash.
In all cases, a small, raised, red spot usually develops at the site of the injection within 2-6 weeks. This can grow into a circle up to 7mm in diameter, which may be crusty where fluid has dried on the surface, and it may also be bruised. A small scar is usually left at the site of the vaccination.
Typhoid fever vaccine
After having the typhoid fever vaccine, some people experience temporary soreness, redness, swelling or hardness at the injection site. About 1% of people experience a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F), while less common side effects include:
- abdominal pain
- headache
- nausea
- diarrhoea
Severe reactions are rare.
Yellow fever vaccine
After having the yellow fever vaccine, 10-30% of people will experience mild side effects including:
- headache
- muscle pain
- soreness at the injection site
- mild fever
Reactions at the injection site usually occur within 1-5 days after being vaccinated, although other side effects may last for up to two weeks.
An allergic reaction to the vaccine occurs in one case out of every 130,000 doses of the vaccine given.
