How early is too early?

I am often asked how far in advance of a trip travellers should get travel advice. In general, my reply is 6-8 weeks before you go. However, this week I visited a school to start off the preparations for their trip to Nepal in July.

Why so early? Well it's likely these students will need a course of vaccines that should be given over months rather than weeks. I tend to find that for school trips, May to July are difficult months to schedule vaccines, with parents and students wanting to avoid any side effects interfering with important school exams. My advice to this group of travellers is to start several months in advance of the trip.

Other travellers that should consider getting advice at a much earlier stage are those that have existing health conditions. It can take a bit of time to liaise with other specialists which might be necessary before giving certain vaccines or anti-malarial tablets.   The clinic will very much appreciate the advance notice and can start the ball rolling. 

On a final note is it every too late?  No - it’s never too late.   Even at the last minute vaccines and advice can be very beneficial.