Winter-Sun Vaccine Checklist: Thailand, India, Kenya, Cape Verde

While most of us spend weeks comparing beach hotels and flight times, winter sun vaccinations rarely get a look in until the suitcase is half packed. Then a friend mentions yellow fever and you start wondering what you’ve missed.

Let’s go through Thailand, India, Kenya and Cape Verde one at a time, so you know what to ask at a travel vaccination clinic in Hampshire.

What Are the Thailand Vaccinations Christmas Travellers Should Know About?

Hepatitis A, typhoid and a booster for diphtheria, tetanus and polio cover most visitors, while rabies and Japanese encephalitis depend on where you’re heading. That’s the short version of winter sun vaccinations for Thailand, and your itinerary fills in the rest.

Beyond the Beaches

• Hepatitis A is highly recommended for everyone, and typhoid matters most if you love street food.
• Rural, rice-growing areas and long stays make Japanese encephalitis worth considering, especially from May to October.
• Stray dogs and monkeys turn up even on temple grounds, so rabies is worth a thought.

Mosquitoes and Malaria in Thailand

Dengue is widespread, including in Bangkok, so repellent matters even in the city. Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are generally considered malaria-free, but border regions and forested parts of Kanchanaburi, Tak and Trat need tablets discussed. Our Thailand travel vaccinations in Hampshire page has the full picture.

Which Vaccines Should You Plan for India?

Hepatitis A, typhoid and a diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster are the usual starting point, with hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis or cholera considered depending on your route. Our guide to vaccines for India travel explains who needs what, which makes winter sun vaccinations far easier to plan.

Dengue, Chikungunya and Malaria

Dengue and chikungunya are both present in India, and malaria risk shifts with region and season, rising during and after the monsoon. Our pharmacists can explain whether the chikungunya vaccine UK option or the dengue vaccine UK option suits your trip, as we offer both.

Winter Air and Altitude

Air pollution can be heavy in larger cities during winter, which matters if you have asthma. Himalayan trips such as Ladakh also need time to adjust to the altitude.

Do You Need a Kenya Yellow Fever Certificate?

Yes, Kenya requires yellow fever vaccination for entry, and you’ll usually need to show your ICVP certificate on arrival. Paperwork matters as much as the jab here, and it’s a big part of winter sun vaccinations for East Africa.

Where to Get It

Yellow fever jabs and certificates are only available at Bosmere Pharmacy in Havant, an NHS-registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Your certificate becomes valid 10 days after the jab, then lasts for life.

Malaria and Other Kenya Essentials

• Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended, and rabies is worth considering for remote areas.
• Malaria is a significant risk across much of Kenya, including the coast, lakesides and safari spots, though it’s lower in parts of Nairobi.
• Tablets like Malarone, doxycycline or mefloquine must be taken exactly as directed, including before and after your trip. Our page on Kenya vaccinations and malaria tablets explains the options.

Do I Need Vaccinations for Cape Verde?

It’s a lighter list than for the other three destinations, but it isn’t empty. Hepatitis A is recommended for most visitors, while typhoid and hepatitis B depend on where you stay and for how long.

Malaria and Yellow Fever Rules

Cape Verde malaria isn’t a routine worry, as the World Health Organization certified the islands malaria-free in 2024. Yellow fever isn’t present there either, though you may need a certificate if you’re arriving from or have recently travelled through a country where it is. Our Cape Verde travel health advice also covers dengue, sun and heat.

How Long Before Travel Should I Get Vaccinations?

You’ll want to book six to eight weeks before you fly, because courses such as hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies need time to finish. Rabies alone takes three doses over 21 to 28 days.

When Your Trip Is Sooner Than Expected

Two to four weeks still leaves time for single-dose vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid, and we offer same day travel vaccinations in Hampshire if you’re flying within days.

Where to Go

Walk in or book ahead for travel vaccinations Havant at Bosmere or Davies, or visit our travel clinic at Emsworth on West Street. Rowlands Castle offers the full range too, and no GP referral is needed.

Which Jabs are Best for which winter sun destination?

Here’s the whole checklist in one place, built for winter sun vaccinations planning. Heading to the Caribbean instead? Take a look at our Caribbean travel vaccines guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the rabies vaccine worth having for Thailand or India?

It’s strongly recommended for adventure travellers, cyclists and anyone visiting remote areas, as rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. The course is three doses over 21 to 28 days, and our pricing page lists travel vaccine prices.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Thailand or India?

Only if you’re arriving from or have recently passed through a country with yellow fever risk. Our pharmacists check your full route during your consultation.

Is it too late to get vaccinated if I’m flying next week?

Not at all, because hepatitis A and typhoid can be given the same day and antimalarial tablets are available straight away. Yellow fever is the exception, as that certificate only becomes valid 10 days after the jab.

Do I need malaria tablets for a trip to Phuket?

Phuket is generally considered malaria-free, so tablets aren’t usually needed for the beaches. They come into play if your trip takes you into border regions or forested areas such as Kanchanaburi, Tak or Trat.