Travel Vaccinations
TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.
Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
In the UK, the childhood vaccination programme protects you against a number of diseases, but doesn't cover most of the infectious diseases found overseas.
Which jabs do I need?
You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these two websites:
Some countries require you to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter. For example, Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Many tropical countries in Africa and South America won't accept travellers from an area where there's yellow fever unless they can prove they've been vaccinated against it.
Read more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Travel-immunisation/Pages/Immunisations.aspx
Free travel vaccinations
The following travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS:
These vaccines are usually free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.
Private travel vaccinations
You're likely to have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. The NaTHNaC website can help you find a clinic offering yellow fever vaccination. http://www.nathnac.org/yellowfevercentres.aspx?comingfrom=travel
Churchwood Medical Practice is not a designated centre for Yellow fever vaccines
Things to consider
There are several things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:
- the country or countries you're visiting – some diseases are more common in certain parts of the world and less common in others
- when you're travelling – some diseases are more common at certain times of the year; for example, during the rainy season
- where you're staying – in general, you'll be more at risk of disease in rural areas than in urban areas, and if you're backpacking and staying in hostels or camping, you may be more at risk than if you were on a package holiday and staying in a hotel
- how long you'll be staying – the longer your stay, the greater your risk of being exposed to diseases
- your age and health – some people may be more vulnerable to infection than others, while some vaccinations can't be given to people with certain medical conditions
- what you'll be doing during your stay – for example, whether you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, such as trekking or working in rural areas
- if you're working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases if you're working in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
- if you're working in a medical setting – for example, a doctor or nurse may require additional vaccinations
- if you are in contact with animals – in this case, you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies
If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations.
If possible, see your GP at least eight weeks before you're due to travel. Some vaccinations need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Some also involve multiple doses spread over several weeks.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Speak to your GP before having any vaccinations if:
- you're pregnant
- you think you might be pregnant
- you're breastfeeding
In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby. However, your GP will be able to give you further advice about this.
People with immune deficiencies
For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised. This may be the case if:
- you have a condition that affects your body's immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
- you're receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
- you've recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant
Your GP can give you further advice about this.
Requesting Travel Vaccinations at Churchwood Medical Practice
Please contact the surgery and request a travel vaccination form at least 8 weeks before you are due to travel
Return your form to a member of the reception team
Your form will be reviewed by one of our Practice Nurses to determine which vaccinations you require
A receptionist will contact you to arrange an appointment.
There may be a charge for some vaccinations. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS. The receptionist will inform you at the time of booking your appointment if a charge applies. Please bring any payment due when you attend.
Unfortunately as we need to order some vaccines and have limited appointments, we are unable to provide travel vaccinations for anyone travelling within 8 weeks
If you require urgent travel vaccinations, please contact a specialist travel clinic provider:
Sussex Travel Clinic either in Worthing (01903 254774) or Hove (01273 749100); Boots Travel Clinic Brighton (01273 207461)
Or, go on line to Lloyds On Line Doctor https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/travel-health
Once you have registered and completed the necessary form, you should be able to attend Lloyds Pharmacy, 128 Battle Rd, St Leonards, Hollington, TN37 7AN
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below
To help us offer the appropriate vaccinations, please complete the online form and hand this to a member of the reception team.
Travel Questionnaire
Travelling in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website.