The NHS has issued crucial advice for anyone planning to travel abroad this year
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
21:02, 12 Feb 2026
Travellers have been urged to check before they book(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
The NHS has issued an important reminder for anyone planning international travel, emphasising that heeding this advice could prove life-saving. And it may be best to carry out a quick check at least eight weeks before your holiday.
On its website, the health service states: “If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.”
The NHS guidance continues: “Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.”
It takes just a few seconds to check whether you need a booster from your GP or whether your travel destination requires specific vaccinations.
Six to eight weeks
You should consult your GP or a private travel clinic between six and eight weeks before departure. Certain vaccines require time to become effective, while others necessitate several doses administered across multiple weeks.
Additional protection may be needed if you’re backpacking, camping, exploring rural locations, or going on an extended journey. People with pre-existing health conditions may also be more vulnerable to travel-related illnesses.
Which travel vaccines do I need?
It’s advisable to consult the Travel Health Pro website to determine which immunisations are necessary for your journey. Certain nations mandate an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry or departure. You should also keep a record of your vaccinations with you whilst travelling.
Where to get a vaccine?
Check with your GP practice to ensure your standard UK immunisations are up to date. They can also provide guidance on matters such as malaria prevention.
Alternatively, you can attend private travel clinics or pharmacies for specialist injections. Not all travel vaccinations are provided free of charge on the NHS.
If payment is required, request a written quotation for the complete course and any certificate charges.
Free jabs
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:
polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
typhoid
hepatitis A
cholera
The NHS says: “These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.”
Jabs you need to pay for
You’ll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
meningitis
rabies
tick-borne encephalitis
tuberculosis (TB)
yellow fever
The NHS further explain: “Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.”
Where are you travelling?
The NHS have addressed some holidaymakers, adding: “If you’re only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you’re unlikely to need any vaccinations. But it’s essential to check that you’re up to date with the routine vaccinations available on the NHS.
Pregnancy and other worries
If you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to consult your GP before getting vaccinated. While most vaccines are safe, professional advice is always recommended depending on where you are going.
In addition, if you have a condition such as HIV or you are undergoing chemotherapy, or have had a transplant, certain vaccines may not be appropriate for you.
Other things you need to know
There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:
your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies
Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae and Supreme Council member Lee Eon-ju appear serious during a party leadership meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 6. Photo by Asia Today
Feb. 6 (Asia Today) — Jung Cheong-rae, leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party of Korea, said Thursday he has asked for a full caucus meeting to address controversy over a possible merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party, as senior lawmakers warned the debate is fueling internal divisions.
Jung met with third-term lawmakers at the National Assembly and said he requested the party’s floor leader to convene an all-member meeting as soon as possible. He described the talks as a listening process aimed at gauging whether a merger could aid the party ahead of local elections.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Jung said, adding that the proposal was made to explore any potential electoral benefit and to gather views through intensive discussion.
Senior lawmakers pushed back, calling on party leaders to bring the issue to a swift conclusion. Rep. So Byeong-hoon, who heads the group of third-term members, said the merger debate has become a “black hole” consuming the party’s agenda.
“Prolonging this controversy does not help the party,” So said, urging Jung and the party’s supreme council to resolve the matter promptly and ease concerns among voters and party members.
Rep. Wi Seong-gon, the group’s secretary, echoed the call for decisive leadership, saying swift decision-making is needed to prevent further internal strife.
Lawmakers also sought to defuse controversy over a leaked document outlining a potential merger roadmap, describing it as a routine internal working paper rather than a leadership directive. Wi said preparing such documents is part of normal party operations, while So cautioned against linking routine materials to the party leadership.
The Democratic Party leadership is expected to discuss the seniors’ demands at an upcoming supreme council meeting this weekend.
Whenever I want to escape the city, I have a tendency to go deep into the backcountry of Angeles National Forest.
But I don’t always have time for an all-day adventure. Luckily, Los Angeles has several local parks that make it easy to disappear into an old woodland or thicket of pine trees to briefly forget you’re one of 10 million people living in the county.
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The three hikes below are either in L.A. or close by and require only a short drive for many Angelenos. (And for my readers in the South Bay, I promise I will hike down your way soon.)
Regardless of whether you want to take an afternoon off to explore one of these hikes or try one after a weekend brunch, I hope you find a gentle peacefulness that restores you back to feeling more like yourself. Time in nature can do that and more.
A large oak tree provides shade over a trail in Franklin Canyon Park.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
1. Loop trail around Franklin Canyon Park
Distance: 1.2-mile loop with options to extend (see map) Elevation gained: About 200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed? Yes Accessible alternative: Franklin Canyon Drive loop
Franklin Canyon Park is 605 acres of public land north of Beverly Hills that features chaparral and oak woodlands. The park has three bodies of water: the three-acre Franklin Canyon Lake, Heavenly Pond and Wild Pond.
To reach the park, you’ll take the southern entrance, as the northern entrance is closed while the L.A. Department of Water and Power repairs the roadway. Take good care as you drive into the park, as there are a few tight corners with low visibility.
Upon arrival, I’d recommend taking a 1.2-mile loop, which I’ve mapped out here, that will take you past the lake and ponds and up into the park’s hillsides. I went on a recent afternoon when it was in the mid-80s in L.A. and found the park to be cooler thanks to the abundant shade provided by oaks, sumac and other trees.
A turtle rests on a hunk of wood in the Heavenly Pond in Franklin Canyon Park.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
To begin your hike, you’ll park in the large dirt main parking lot. Signs around the lot warn visitors of frequent break-ins, so either leave your treasure at home or hike in your pearls.
From the parking lot, head south on Franklin Canyon Drive, where you’ll quickly find a trail entrance with wooden steps that lead down near Franklin Canyon Lake. I hope you’re greeted by the sound of quacking waterfowl like I was! (And I bet if you go in the morning or evening, you’ll hear bullfrogs.)
Continue in the southerly direction, appreciating the gnarled coast live oaks and sound of shy red-eared sliders plopping off their logs into the water. This short trail will lead you back up to the road where you’ll walk south for just a bit before turning onto the gentle path that loops around Heavenly Pond. This is an especially good spot to find turtles, ducks and at least one orange-and-white koi.
From Heavenly Pond, continue south on the paved road, following it past the private residence to the wooden steps at the reservoir’s southern end. Take these stairs down onto Chernoff Trail. You’ll quickly spot toyon and pine trees, among other natural delights. Soon, you’ll bear right (or northeast) to take stairs onto the road. Cross the road and continue northeast onto the trail. Take the next set of steps up past thick bunches of black sage and chaparral nightshade.
Plants with flowers blooming in Franklin Canyon include ceanothus, California brittlebush and wishbone bush.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Continue north on Blinderman Trail, following it as it bears east before it loops back around west. Along the way, you’ll pass well-maintained benches and bridges. Between the rustic bridges and frequent tree canopy, this trail made me feel, at times, like I was entering a fairy tale. I spotted lots of blooming California brittlebush and desert wishbone bushes along Blinderman Trail as well as some deer tracks near a forested area where the trail ends near the parking lot.
A portion of Blinderman Trail is a bit washed out, so I’d recommend carrying hiking poles, especially for the trip down. If you need to refill your water bottle, there are water fountains near the Eugene and Michael Rosenfeld Auditorium, which is just southeast of the main lot.
I left Franklin Canyon Park grateful for my short jaunt in nature, amazed by yet another well-maintained public park in the heart of L.A.
This 1.3-mile loop trail follows El Escorpión Trail in the 61-acre El Escorpión Park to the Cave of Munits, a chimney cave named after a sorcerer in a local Indigenous legend.
To begin, you’ll park on the street near the trailhead. To reach the cave, you can either take El Escorpión Trail, a wide exposed dirt path that starts at El Escorpión Park gate, or the path along the riverbed, which provides more shade but is more narrow. Both are visible on maps on outdoors navigation apps. When I hiked to the Cave of Munits, I took El Escorpión Trail to the cave and the shadier trail along the creek on the way back.
The cave isn’t immediately visible when you start. Once you see a large rocky gash in the mountain, you know you’re getting close. Once inside the cave, be mindful not to cause any damage and be careful when climbing.
The steepest part of this hike is as you approach the largest cave. Grippy shoes are a must, and trekking poles could be helpful.
The Cave of Munits is an easy place to reconnect with your childlike wonder, but please explore with respect and reverence for the place. The cave’s name relates to a Fernandeño and Western Tongva story of tragic misunderstanding, which you can read here.
Dunsmore Canyon in Glendale.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
3. Dunsmore Canyon & Le Mesnager Loop Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation gained: About 800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed? Yes Accessible alternative: Brand Park history walk
This hike through the 709-acre Deukmejian Wilderness Park in Glendale will offer you not only great views of the surrounding cities but also an opportunity to spend time among blooming trees and native plants, including California peonies and California brittlebush.
You’ll park in a lot near the Stone Barn Nature Center. Several signs warn that the park closes one hour after sunset and to leave before you get locked in. I think they’re serious, so take note.
You’ll start your hike on Dunsmore Canyon Trail, headed northeast up a straight gravel path covered on both sides with several native plants including ceanothus (both white and purple blooms), yerba santa and sagebrush.
Just .2 miles in, there’s a massive old coast live oak where kids could easily create an imaginary forest kingdom under its large branches.
As you continue to climb, you might hear Dunsmore Creek, which runs parallel to the trail. Remember to turn around as you gain elevation, as this trail rewards you with substantial views of Glendale and the Crescenta Valley soon after you start. All the while, you have the San Gabriel Mountains right in front of you, including Mt. Lukens, which you can hike to from the same park.
Half a mile in, you have the option to continue on the Dunsmore Canyon Trail or Le Mesnager Trail to make a shorter loop. Le Mesnager Trail includes a lookout point at about 2,750 feet, a great spot for a sunset as long as you don’t get locked in! As you meander down the trail, you’ll find a nice shady canopy and continued views of the city below.
3 things to do
Volunteers work at the Debs Park Test Plot.
(Test Plot)
1. Protect native habitat in L.A. The Audubon Center at Debs Park needs volunteers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday for its monthly maintenance on the test plot. Volunteers will meet in the center’s courtyard before heading out. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes and clothing they don’t mind getting dirty. They should also bring a reusable water bottle and gardening gloves. Register at act.audubon.org.
2. Nurture nature in Glendale The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy needs volunteers from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday for a restoration workday in the Sycamore Canyon Preserve. Volunteers will help improve the health of plant life in the preserve to better ensure it is inviting and healthy for wildlife, which use it as a corridor to travel through the area. Participants should bring water, sunscreen and work gloves. Pants, long sleeves and sturdy shoes are recommended. If able, volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels, loppers or trowels. Other tools and equipment will be available. Learn more at arroyosfoothills.org.
3. Wander the wetlands in Huntington Beach Amigos de Bolsa Chica will host a free tour from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach. Visitors should meet their guides in the south parking lot off Pacific Coast Highway, halfway between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street. Volunteer naturalists will present information on the preserve’s history, bird life and more. Register at amigosdebolsachica.charityproud.org.
The must-read
Skiers navigate their way down Lincoln Mountain at Mammoth Mountain ski area, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
(Christian Pondella / For The Times)
Two ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain have died in separate avalanches over the past year. These workers are responsible for clearing popular ski routes by using handheld explosives to prevent avalanches from harming guests. “Were the resort’s managers pushing too hard to open the mountain after major storms? Had training standards slipped, pushing relatively inexperienced ski patrollers into dangerous situations? Are young ski patrollers afraid to speak up, even when they think they’ve been asked to take unreasonable risks?” wrote Times staff writer Jack Dolan. Read Dolan’s story to find the answer to those questions and more.
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
Let’s end with good news! A volunteer was monitoring Eastern Pacific green sea turtles that live near the mouth of the San Gabriel River when they spotted a shelled reptile in trouble. The turtle had fishing line wound around her right flipper and into her mouth. “She was also attached to a medley of debris — clothes, algae, plastic,” wrote Times staff writer Lila Seidman. “When she came up for air, aquarium staffer Aaron Hovis jumped in and grabbed her. Once freed from the garbage, she was loaded onto a stretcher and brought to the aquarium.” The turtle, now named Porkchop for her voracious appetite, is now happily recovering at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Although the aquarium has been helping injured sea turtles for more than 25 years, the public can now see the little cuties on display in a new exhibit about the turtles. You can visit Porkchop until she’s returned to the wild, where veterinary staff are confident she’ll keep thriving — and eating!
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that it will be a few days before a government funding package comes up for a vote, all but ensuring the partial federal shutdown will drag into the week as Democrats and Republicans debate reining in the Trump administration’s divisive immigration enforcement operations.
Johnson signaled he is relying on help from President Trump to ensure passage. Trump struck a deal with Democratic senators to separate out funding for the Department of Homeland Security from a broader package after public outrage over two shooting deaths during protests in Minneapolis against the immigration crackdown there. The measure approved Friday by the Senate would fund Homeland Security for two weeks, setting up a deadline for Congress to debate and vote on new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
“The president is leading this,” Johnson (R-La.) said on “Fox News Sunday.”
“It’s his play call to do it this way,” the speaker said, adding that the Republican president has “already conceded that he wants to turn down the volume” on federal immigration operations.
Johnson faces a daunting challenge ahead, trying to muscle the funding legislation through the House while Democrats are refusing to provide the votes for speedy passage. They are demanding restraints on ICE that go beyond $20 million for body cameras that already is in the bill. They want to require that federal immigration agents unmask and identify themselves and are pressing for an end to roving patrols, amid other changes.
Democrats dig in on ICE changes
“What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”
Jeffries said the administration needs to begin negotiations now, not over the next two weeks, on changes to immigration enforcement operations.
“Masks should come off,” he said. “Judicial warrants should absolutely be required consistent with the Constitution, in our view, before DHS agents or ICE agents are breaking into the homes of the American people or ripping people out of their cars.”
It’s all forcing Johnson to rely on his slim House GOP majority — which will narrow further after a Democrat was elected to a vacant House seat in a Texas special election Saturday — in a series of procedural votes, starting in committee Monday and pushing a potential House floor vote on the package until at least Tuesday, he said.
House Democrats planned a private caucus call Sunday evening to assess the next steps.
Partial government shutdown drags on
Meanwhile, a number of other federal agencies are snared in the funding standoff as the government went into a partial shutdown over the weekend.
Defense, health, transportation and housing are among those that were given shutdown guidance by the administration, though many operations are deemed essential and services are not necessarily interrupted. Workers could go without pay if the impasse drags on. Some could be furloughed.
This is the second time in a matter of months that federal operations have been disrupted as Congress digs in, using the annual funding process as leverage to extract policy changes. In the fall, Democrats sparked what became the longest federal shutdown in history, 43 days, as they protested the expiration of health insurance tax breaks.
That shutdown ended with a promise to vote on proposals to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. But the legislation did not advance and Democrats were unable to achieve their goal of keeping the subsidies in place. As a result, insurance premiums have soared in the new year for millions of people.
Trump wants quick end to shutdown
This time, the administration has signaled its interest in more quickly resolving the shutdown.
Johnson said he was in the Oval Office last week when Trump, along with border advisor Tom Homan, spoke with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York to work out the deal.
“I think we’re on the path to get agreement,” Johnson said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Body cameras for immigration agents, which are already provided for in the package, and an end to the roving patrols are areas of potential agreement, Johnson said.
But he said taking the masks off and putting names on agents’ uniforms could lead to problems for law enforcement officers as they are being targeted by the protesters and their personal information posted online.
“I don’t think the president would approve it — and he shouldn’t,” Johnson said on Fox.
Democrats, however, said the immigration operations are out of control, and it is an emergency situation that must end in Minneapolis and other cities.
Growing numbers of lawmakers are calling for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be fired or impeached.
“What is happening in Minnesota right now is a dystopia,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who led efforts to hold the line for more changes.
“ICE is making this country less safe, not more safe today,” Murphy said on “Fox News Sunday.”
“Our focus over the next two weeks has to be reining in a lawless and immoral immigration agency.”
