Travelling abroad is becoming increasing popular and the variety of different adventurous type trips are also on the increase. This means that the risk assessment within your travel appointment with the practice nurse is now more complex.
A risk assessment needs to be carried out before deciding which vaccines are recommended and the advice that will best address your particular needs.
To help the process along you will be asked to complete a risk assessment form. One of the practice nurses will then review this form and you will be contacted to book an appointment.
Travel assessment forms should be completed and returned to the surgery at least 8 weeks prior to your date of travel to enable our Nurses to assess your vaccination requirements, order the necessary vaccinations and offer an appointment.
We will not be able to accept forms with 8 or less weeks to your travel date and you will be asked to make alternative arrangements with private travel clinics.
The surgery offers a variety of travel vaccinations, however there are some vaccines that we do not provide and you will be directed to a private travel clinic which can provide these for you.
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below:
You should get information before you travel so that vaccinations can be planned, ideally no later than:
Holidays – at least 8 weeks before you travel
Backpackers and working abroad – 3-6 months before you travel
Your practice or surgery will need to know:
- Departure and return dates
- Countries visiting
- Type of stay (holiday, backpack, occupational etc)
- Allergies
- Female patients – pregnant now or wanting to be
- Vaccines you have had previously
There is a charge for most vaccines and not all may be available so you may be referred to other practices or specialist travel clinics for some vaccines.
Covid-19
Please note we are not able to advise on testing , vaccination or isolation requirements for your destination. This information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19. We suggest you check this regularly prior to your trip as the guidance can change.
If you require a covid pass for your destination this is available through the NHS app or the NHS Covid Pass Service. These are not available from the surgery. Covid vaccines (if required) will also not be available at your appointment and should be accessed either through calling 119 or by speaking to reception to see if there are any available clinics at the surgery.
Further Travel Resources
- NHS Choices – Cover your healthcare abroad
- European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111)
- NHS Choices – Travel vaccinations
- GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice – A-Z of countries
- Fitfortravel (NHS/Health Protection Scotland)
- Lonely Planet
Travelling in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website.