Watlington & Chalgrove Surgeries

Back

Travel Health and Vaccinations

 

Before we are able to offer travel vaccinations you will need to consult a Travel Clinic (see below some examples of such services: these are for guidance only and we are by no means endorsing any specific services).  We can provide a list of your past immunisations on request.

When travelling please allow as much time as possible to arrange your travel appointment with the Travel Clinic and then the Practice Nurse if needed. This will ensure that you are more likely to be fully vaccinated before you depart to your destination. We advise you to arrange your appointment at least six weeks before you travel.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

There are certain vaccinations listed below which you are entitled to have for free under the NHS. Should you wish to do so, you can make an appointment with our Practice Nurse to have them AFTER you have consulted a service to ascertain your requirement (i.e. we will no longer provide advice for what is required – it is up to you to obtain professional advice):

Please note only the undernoted vaccines are available on NHS Prescriptions:

  • Hepatitis A [infectious hepatitis] – first and second/booster dose (6-12 months after first dose). Each complete course lasts 25 years
  • Typhoid – first and any booster doses. Each injection lasts 3 years
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Each complete course last 10 years

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. Cholera is rarely offered/available.

NHS Service – We may supply and administer these Vaccines under our NHS Contract. Please contact us. Non-NHS Services – We are not contracted to and DO NOT supply or administer these services
Cholera: Confirmed cholera is rare in travellers and care to avoid contaminated foods and water is more important than vaccination. Vaccination only provides partial protection and is indicated where precautions cannot be taken e.g. refugee camps. This is now only available as an oral vaccine. Malaria Prophylaxis:This is not an NHS service to travellers.
TB screening for pre-travel:Contact the relevant provider.
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio:For individuals who have not had the basic course of immunisation or a reinforcing dose. Combination vaccine should be administered. Yellow fever:This is not an NHS service to travellers.
Hepatitis A:Recommended for persons travelling to areas of poor sanitation where the degree of exposure to infection is likely to be high. Hepatitis B:This is not an NHS service to travellers, employees for occupational purposes or students for educational purposes.
MMR/Rubella: Children aged 6-15 not previously immunised and unimmunised adults travelling to areas where the diseases are still common. Japanese encephalitis:Named patient basis, subject to pay and report. This is not an NHS service to travellers.
Smallpox: No indication for smallpox vaccination for travellers. The exception is laboratory staff or workers at identifiable risk. Meningococcal meningitis:This is not an NHS service to travellers.
Typhoid: Recommended for areas where food and water is likely to be contaminated. Also available in combination with Hepatitis A vaccine. Tick borne encephalitis:This is not an NHS service to travellers.
Rabies: Only available on the NHS to workers in areas of special risk of contact with infected animals e.g. vets. Rabies: Recommended for travellers to enzootic areas who may be at risk of infection, but this is not an NHS service.

Examples of travel vaccination clinics:

http://www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice/travelhealth

http://www.walkintravelclinic.co.uk/?gclid=CIiKuvvTntMCFQcQ0wod_QMB6w

https://www.citydoc.org.uk/citydoc-oxford/

http://www.masta-travel-health.com/FindAClinic

Fit for Travel

If you wish further information before you travel please click the link for Fit For Travel where further information can be obtained relating to your holiday/travel destination.