Please allow as much time as possible to arrange your travel appointment with the practice. This will ensure that you are more likely to be fully vaccinated before you depart to your destination. We advise you attend to arrange your appointment at least six weeks before you travel.
Please note that only the undernoted vaccines are available on NHS Prescription:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
Advice on malaria will be given – antimalarial drugs can be issued by private prescription for a fee.
Immunisation against infectious Hepatitis (Hepatitis A) is available free of charge on the NHS in connection with travel abroad. However, Hepatitis B is not routinely available free of charge and therefore you may be charged for this vaccination when requested in connection with travel abroad.
If you wish a travel advice appointment, submit a Travel Risk Assessment Form. These can be obtained from our reception or download here:
Travel Risk Assessment (Word doc)
Be sure to include a daytime contact telephone number so that the practice nurse can contact you to deal with any questions arising and arrange a suitable travel clinic appointment for you. We will tell you which vaccinations are recommended for your trip, but if you wish to have a look yourself click here for guidance.
Vaccination History
Information concerning your vaccination history can only be issued by the practice nurse or doctor. Reception staff are not qualified to release this information to you. As your vaccination status is very important, your records need to be checked by a clinician. To obtain your vaccination history, please submit a request in writing to the practice nurse and allow at least seven working days for your reply. There is a £10.00 charge for this service. Please enclose your payment with your request.
Excess quantities of regular repeat prescriptions
A Scottish Home and Health Department circular from 1971 clarifies the position on prescribing for patients going abroad for extended periods. It states:-
“If a patient intends to go away for a longer period (than two to three weeks’ holiday) he/she may not be regarded as a resident of this country and would not be entitled to the benefits of the National Health Service. It may not be in the patient’s best interest for him/her to continue to self-medication over such longer periods…. If a patient is going abroad for a long period, he/she should be prescribed sufficient drugs to meet his/her requirements only until such time as he can place himself/herself in the care of a doctor at his/her destination.”
Where ongoing medical attention is not necessary, the patient may be given a private prescription at the doctor’s discretion.