Travel Advice and Injections

For the last few months we have trialled a system for travel vaccination requests so patients contact us ahead of their travel and we review their vaccination needs and meet with them as appropriate. Sadly this scheme has not succeeded, often due to requests being received too close to holidays. As a result we have suspended this scheme with immediate effect, so, when asking for travel vaccination advice, the receptionist will book you an appointment with one of the nursing team. They will also agree additional time for other family members but will not normally be able to book more than 40 minutes in any one clinical session. This means that some of your co-travellers will have different appointment dates and times. However we will always try to minimise any inconvenience to you.

Whenever you leave this country you run the risk that you may get unwell while away. Some vaccinations have to be specially ordered or need to be taken prior to your holiday. Therefore you need to advise us as soon as you are able so that your appointment(s) are booked at a time convenient to you and meet the correct timescale for your vaccinations to take maximum effect. If you contact us within 10 days of leaving this country we cannot guarantee that we can obtain the vaccinations and/or have a nurse available to perform the vaccinations. You should also be aware that not all vaccinations are free on the NHS and there are other issues patients should consider. For example a diabetic person may want to take their medication onto a plane; such medication often includes a needle. However many couriers require a letter from your GP to permit this course of action while others completely refuse such a request.

It makes sense therefore for patients intending to take a holiday where they are likely to need one or more courses of vaccinations to inform us a few weeks before they leave. Ideally this should include:

• Proposed dates
• Details of area(s) to be visited (not just the country name; rural or urban, etc.)
• Type of holiday and accommodation (e.g. hotel, back packing, cruise, etc.)
• Type of trip (e.g. business, pleasure, etc.)

Following your first appointment the clinician will tell you what vaccinations you require. Within a family or group of travellers the specific advice may vary from patient to patient dependent on their personal medical histories. We will also tell you if any recommended vaccinations or other services incur charges then, when appropriate, invite you to book your travel injection appointment(s).

Please be assured that no fee will be chargeable until you have agreed them in advance. Due to Bank charges we are not able to take debit or credit cards (such as VISA or Mastercard) for payment, but can take cash or cheques supported by a cheque guarantee card.

If you have any query regarding this service please telephone the surgery on 023 9282 7132 or speak to a receptionist.