Individuals must check the requirements of their intended destination. Travel is not a valid reason to give additional or earlier doses. If a destination country requires evidence of additional doses over and above those currently provided in this country, individuals should comply with alternative entry requirements, for example testing and/or quarantine on arrival.
Individuals can be directed to the following websites for more information about the various options to enable entry into their intended destination:
As you will be aware, GP surgeries are working under increasing pressure, and are having to prioritise the services they can provide. We have offered a full travel service free of charge until recently, but as the surgery receives no funding for this and it is very time consuming, we are sadly no longer able to continue this. The NHS has a very comprehensive web-site, giving the information you need to identify any vaccines advised for trips abroad, and ensure that you stay as healthy as possible. This can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
The following vaccinations are commonly required for many holiday destinations, and are free of charge on the NHS;
These can be administered by a nurse at this surgery, if needed.
Hepatitis A – if you have had two vaccinations, you are covered for life from the 2nd dose.
Diphtheria, tetanus & polio – booster required every 10 years (for travel purposes only).
Typhoid – booster required every 3 years (for travel purposes only)
Please be aware that it is not good for the immune system to unnecessarily have vaccinations more frequently than this. If you are unsure of when you had any previous vaccinations, ask the surgery for a printout of your vaccination history. You should keep a record of this.
Other vaccinations may be necessary for more exotic or unusual destinations, complex travel itineraries, or long stay vacations. These need to be given at a high street travel clinic (eg, Nomad, Masta or Sta Travel). There will be a charge for these. If you would rather have all of your vaccinations done at these clinics, they can also give the vaccines in bold (above) but they will charge for these.
We strongly advise you to check your requirements at least three months before travel, as sometimes a course of up to three vaccinations needs to be given over the course of several weeks.
It is your responsibility to ascertain which vaccinations (and, if relevant, anti-malaria tablets) you need, and also to inform yourself fully of recommended travel safe precautions.
To do this, you should visit the NHS Fit For Travel website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and read the information relevant to the country you are visiting.
If you are unsure of your own vaccination history please request a print-out of the vaccines you have had from the surgery.
Follow these simple steps:
TRAVEL SAFELY AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!
Useful contacts:
Nomad: www.nomadtravel.co.uk 01341 555061
Sta: www.statravel.co.uk 0117 3290204
The Medical: www.themedical.co.uk 0117 3763732
Make sure you consider
Remember to take your free European Health Card (EHIC) for free or reduced-cost medical treatment should you fall ill in the EU Apply Online. You are still advised to take out travel insurance as EHIC does not cover repatriation, some insurance companies require you to have it while others will waive the excess if an EHIC has been used.