The green book travel chapters

UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'green book' travel chapter updates

The following chapters are the latest updates on travel-related vaccines following discussion at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Travel Sub-Committee and approval by the main JCVI.

Select from the dropdowns below to reveal PDF links of the green book chapters.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by the gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Following colonisation of the small bowel, V. cholerae produces an enterotoxin that causes secretion of fluid and electrolytes and leads to painless, watery diarrhoea. Cholera is characterised by the sudden onset of profuse, watery stools with occasional vomiting.


Cholera: the green book, chapter 14

PDF
274 KB
11 pages
Updated: 01 August 2024

Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by the dengue virus, spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Most cases are mild or asymptomatic, but severe, life-threatening disease can occur. It is endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South-east Asia, and Western Pacific region, with sporadic cases occurring in some European countries.


Dengue: the green book, chapter 15a

PDF
224 KB
10 pages
Updated: 15 October 2024

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral encephalitis caused by a flavivirus. It is the leading cause of childhood encephalitis in Asia, with an estimated 68,000 clinical cases per annum (World Health Organization, 2019).


Japanese encephalitis: the green book, chapter 20

PDF
250 KB
7 pages
Updated: 06 February 2024

Yellow fever is an acute flavivirus infection spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

In February 2024, this chapter was updated to include new guidance on yellow fever vaccination for individuals with an allergy to egg. Guidance has been added from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) on thymectomy and cardiac surgery. In March 2024, further updates have been added to the reinforcing immunisation content.


Yellow fever: the green book, chapter 35

PDF
279 KB
15 pages
Updated: 01 March 2024

Resources

First published : 06 February 2024 Last updated : 15 October 2024
  1. New dengue chapter added.

  2. Cholera chapter added with updated epidemiology and vaccine information to include Vaxchora®.

  3. Yellow fever chapter added with updated reinforcing immunisation content. 

Explore more

Vaccines and medicines: availability, supply, shortages and use of unlicensed medicines

Information for health professionals on availability of vaccines and use of unlicensed products

Updated: 06 August 2025

Educational events

A list of courses, conferences and study days of relevance to UK health professionals working, or wishing to work, in the field of travel medicine

Updated: 12 August 2025

Country-specific information: Rationale

Epidemiological rationale for recommendations

Updated: 29 July 2025

'Getting to Grips...' online events and video guides

Online guides and webinar sessions for health professionals interested in travel health

Updated: 29 May 2025

Infectious diseases

Chikungunya

This viral infection occurs in some tropical and subtropical regions of the world, predominantly transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito

Updated: 29 July 2025

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a potentially paralysing viral infection that only occurs in humans

Updated: 14 July 2025

Rabies

Rabies occurs in warm-blooded mammals and is transmitted to humans, most often by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, usually a dog

Updated: 20 June 2025


Preparing for healthy travel

Summer travel: advice for students and young holidaymakers

Off on a summer break? See our guide to staying safe and healthy abroad

Updated: 28 May 2025

First aid kits

A travel health first aid kit is recommended for travellers

Updated: 03 September 2024

Insect and tick bite avoidance

Protection from insect and tick bites is essential to help prevent vector-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and Zika

Updated: 21 March 2024


Special risk travel/traveller

Areas of humanitarian crisis

For humanitarian aid workers and those advising those travelling to areas of conflict or disaster

Updated: 07 April 2025

Travelling with additional needs and/or disability

This factsheet provides an overview and advice on the points to consider when travelling with additional needs and/or disability

Updated: 30 May 2024

Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia

Information on pre-travel preparation, tips to stay health abroad and links to useful resources for travellers with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia

Updated: 11 March 2024


Clinic resources

Educational events

A list of courses, conferences and study days of relevance to UK health professionals working, or wishing to work, in the field of travel medicine

Updated: 12 August 2025

Vaccines and medicines: availability, supply, shortages and use of unlicensed medicines

Information for health professionals on availability of vaccines and use of unlicensed products

Updated: 06 August 2025

'Getting to Grips...' online events and video guides

Online guides and webinar sessions for health professionals interested in travel health

Updated: 29 May 2025

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