Travel Vaccinations

Information and advice for travelling abroad

Travel Vaccinations

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel, please complete our online travel form.

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 8 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

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.

Some countries require proof of vaccinations which much be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

If an ICVP is not required, we recommend taking vaccinations records with you.

Only limited vaccinations are available on the NHS, and you will be given an NHS Prescription to obtain the vaccinations required prior to travel.

NHS Vaccinations include:

  • Polio
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Cholera.

You’ll be responsible for any prescription charges incurred at any pharmacy.

Following the risk assessment, you will be advised by the Practice Nurse on additional travel vaccines that you will need to source via a private travel clinic. If advised you require NHS vaccines here book appointment promptly. If you don’t leave enough time to book in, this is beyond our control, and we may be unable to assist you with appointments here to coincide with your travel plans Alternatively, you may wish to consider contacting a local private vaccination clinic or pharmacy which offers a full travel healthcare service and more flexibility with times and appointments.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation with our travel procedures

We also recommend that you make use of the following websites to plan for your trip

  • TravelHealthPro is a website provided by Public Health England and the London & Liverpool Schools of Tropical Medicine and contains a wealth of up-to-date country-specific health recommendations and information about specific diseases.
  • The Foreign & Commonweath Office (FCO) website provides up-to-date advice for every country including security and terrorism, visa requirements, consular support & advice on local customs and how to stay safe.
  • The NHS website provides a travel health checklist for what to pack to stay safe and healthy abroad, including first aid essentials.

Before You Travel

Please plan all of your travel arrangements and needs well in advance.

We advise ALL patients to check and confirm with their Travel Company their travel requirements and rules for taking medications with you.

Ensure you understand specific requirements, such as:

  • Sharps
  • Liquids over 100ml
  • Oxygen Cylinders
  • Carrying medication/s in hand luggage
  • Packing medication in checked-in luggage

Some Travel Operators will:

  • Accept viewing your medical records via the NHS app.
  • Accept a copy of your NHS repeat Medication Slip
  • Accept a printed medical summary, including current medications

These items do not incur a cost. Our reception team will assist you with these admin requests.

 

Other Administration

Please be advised that there will be travel administration charges for the following requirements:

  • Fit to Travel GP Letter
  • Medication GP Confirmation Letter
  • Cancellation of Travel GP Letter

Place your specific request/medical situation/need in writing for reception. Allow sufficient time for us to assist you and process your request.Please be advised that there will be a charge for letters and the reception team will be able to give you guidance on fees.

Fees may be payable in advance, and we only accept cash. We can provide a receipt of payment on request.Thank you for your understanding and co-operation with our travel procedures.

Whilst You Are Abroad

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the United Kingdom.

GPs are not required by their Terms of Service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad. All Patients should be aware of the following entitlements prior to travel:

For patients who will be out of the country for less than 3 months:

  • In most circumstances it is reasonable to provide sufficient medicines for an existing medical condition. Request medications with an explanation and plenty of notice prior to travel.
  • The NHS accepts responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to a maximum of 3 months.

For patients leaving the country for 3 months or longer:

  • Patients must register with a local doctor for their continuing medical needs, they cannot remain registered in the UK.
  • If a patient is going to be abroad for more than 3 months then all that the patient is entitled to at NHS expense is a sufficient supply of his/her regular medication in order to get to their destination. On arrival, patients should find an alternative supply of their medication without delay.

Whilst abroad, please be aware that we will NOT be able to:

  • Provide any medical advice by phone, email, fax or video link
  • Provide an electronic transfer or faxed prescriptions, should you run out of medication
  • Source a doctor or medical assistance
  • Ensure there are suitable medication supplies at your intended destination

Please ensure you have appropriate medical insurance before any travel 

More About Our Services

Care Quality Commission
Rating: Good

Stoneham Lane Surgery
City Gateway
Parkville Road
Southampton
SO16 2JA

Telephone: 02380 555776

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