Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Older travellers aged 60 and over may have different vaccine recommendations, higher risks of travel-related illness, and additional considerations around medication, insurance, and destination choice. Travel health over 60s requires personalised advice, as some vaccines, including yellow fever, have modified recommendations. A thorough travel health consultation is particularly important. |
Older travellers make up a growing proportion of international holidaymakers from the UK, and many patients who visit Newdays Pharmacy for travel health advice are over 60 and in excellent health. Travel in later life is entirely possible and often deeply rewarding, but it does require more thorough pre-travel health planning than for younger travellers, particularly for those managing long term health conditions or taking regular medications.
Travel health Over 60s:Vaccine Considerations for Travellers
Yellow Fever: An Important Modification for Over 60s
The yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) is a live attenuated vaccine with a very small but documented increased risk of serious adverse events in people aged 60 and over who have never previously been vaccinated. These events include yellow fever vaccine associated neurological disease (YEL-AND) and yellow fever vaccine associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD). The absolute risk is very low, but the risk benefit calculation is more nuanced in older first time recipients. If you are 60 or over and require yellow fever vaccination for travel, our pharmacists at Newdays will provide a detailed individual risk assessment.
Pneumococcal and Shingles Vaccination
Travel health over 60s should ensure they are up to date with NHS routine shingles vaccination (now Shingrix, given as two doses) and pneumococcal vaccination. These are relevant to travel because the physiological stresses of long haul travel, changes in environment, and potential exposure to new respiratory pathogens can increase susceptibility to infections that vaccination prevents.
Managing Regular Medication During Travel
Older travellers frequently take multiple regular prescription medicines. Before travel, it is worth addressing:
- Supply: carry at least a twenty to twenty five percent surplus beyond the expected trip duration, in hand luggage rather than checked baggage
- Time zones: anticoagulants, insulin, and twice daily medicines require specific guidance on dosing during significant time zone changes. Discuss with your pharmacist or prescriber before travel
- Drug interactions: if antimalarial tablets or travel specific antibiotics are prescribed, check for interactions with existing medicines. Our pharmacists at Newdays will conduct this review as part of your consultation
- Travel insurance: insurers require full disclosure of pre existing medical conditions. Failure to disclose can invalidate your policy. Obtain appropriate medical travel insurance before departure
Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk on Long Flights
Older travellers with cardiovascular risk factors, previous deep vein thrombosis, or reduced mobility have a higher baseline risk of flight related venous thromboembolism. Graduated compression stockings class one or class two are recommended for long haul flights in those at elevated risk. Regular in seat calf exercises and walking in the cabin where safe reduce venous stasis. Discuss your specific risk with your GP or pharmacist before long haul travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your individual circumstances, including your general health, travel destination and whether you have received the vaccine before. At Newdays Pharmacy, every patient receives an individual risk assessment before yellow fever vaccination, with extra care taken for first-time travellers aged 60 and over.
Many travel insurance policies have higher premiums or specific exclusions for older travellers and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Always declare your medical history accurately and consider specialist travel insurance if a standard policy does not provide suitable cover.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |