We see last-minute travellers every day at Holborn Clinic. Whether your trip was booked months ago and you forgot about vaccines, or you're flying next week on short notice — the good news is that most travel vaccines can be given in a single appointment, with useful protection starting within days.
What Can Be Done Same Day
The following vaccines can all be administered in one visit, and most provide meaningful protection within 1–2 weeks:
| Vaccine | Doses | Protection starts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | 1 | 10 days | £79 |
| Hepatitis A | 1 | ~2 weeks | £59 |
| Typhoid | 1 | ~2 weeks | £39 |
| Meningitis ACWY | 1 | 10 days | £49 |
| DTP Booster | 1 | ~2 weeks | £39 |
| Cholera (Dukoral) | 1st dose (oral) | After 2nd dose | £75 |
At Holborn Clinic, we routinely give 3–4 vaccines in a single appointment. There is no medical reason not to — and it's far better than travelling unprotected.
What Needs More Time
Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months. Starting late is still better than not starting:
Rabies — 3 doses over 21–28 days. If you're leaving in less than 3 weeks, you can start the course and complete it abroad or after returning. Even 1–2 doses provide some benefit.
Japanese Encephalitis — 2 doses, 28 days apart. Similar to rabies — start now, complete later if needed.
Hepatitis B — 3 doses over 6 months (standard) or an accelerated schedule over 21 days. Ask about the fast-track option.
Yellow Fever: The 10-Day Rule
If your destination requires a Yellow Fever certificate, it must be issued at least 10 days before arrival. This is the one vaccine where timing is a strict legal requirement — don't leave it until 9 days before your flight.
At Holborn Clinic, we are an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Your certificate is issued on the day of vaccination and is valid for life.
Malaria Tablets
Anti-malarial medication can be prescribed and dispensed in the same visit. Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) only needs to be started 1–2 days before travel — ideal for last-minute departures. Doxycycline also requires just 1–2 days lead time.
The Bottom Line
Something is almost always better than nothing. Even if you can't complete a multi-dose course, a single dose of most vaccines provides significant partial protection. Our pharmacist will prioritise the most important vaccines for your destination and help you make the best use of the time you have.
Book a Same-Day Appointment
Call us on 0207 405 1039 or book online. Same-day appointments are available during opening hours — call ahead to confirm availability. We're at 60 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW — 2 minutes from Holborn station.
