Travel Vaccines
Due to the on-going demand for nursing appointments with clinical priorities, we are only able to offer travel vaccines that are free on the NHS. All other vaccines will need to be obtained from a private travel clinic. Please book 2-3 months before your intended date of travel. If there are no appointments available there are a number of local, independent, private travel clinics to access, please ask at reception for details of these.
Which travel vaccines are free?
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS:
These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.
Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?
You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres.
The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need and are not available from the surgery.
If there are no appointments available to book, any member of the reception team will be able to print the details of the vaccinations we have on record for you.
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below
Mosquito Advice Sheet
You may want to get further information from:
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
www.nathnac.org
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
www.immunisations.nhs.uk
Patient Information Sheet
Know the A B C D of Malaria
Awareness of risk | Risk of Malaria is generally higher in rural areas and below 2,000m. Optimum conditions are between 20-300C with high humidity. Heavy rain fall can trigger epidemics by providing fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Any immunity gained by indigenous people is rapidly lost on leaving their home countries so people returning home VFR’s need anti-malaria prophylactics. |
Bite Prevention | This is the first line of defence and is vital. DEET formulations still seen as the most effective repellents on the market. 50% DEET will last for 12 hours. Choose loose fitting garments with long sleeves, long trousers and socks. |
Compliance | Anti-malarial medication does not guarantee complete protection and must always be used in conjunction with bite avoidance strategies. Do not buy medication abroad which may be fake or substandard. Medication must be taken as recommended and for the period specified on return to the UK. |
Prompt Diagnosis | Minimum incubation period is 6 to 7 days but the disease may arise up to 1 year after leaving a Malarial zone. Symptoms: Ø Flu-like illness/High temperature, Ø Jaundice/Headache, Ø Diarrhoea/vomiting/malaise, if you are unwell after return from a malarial area please advise medical Ø staff you have travelled abroad recently. |
PRE EXPOSURE RABIES VACCINATION.
Overview
Rabies is a rare but serious infection of the brain and nerves and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Rabies can be transmitted by the saliva of any warm blooded animal by a lick, scratch or bite; or salivary exposures to mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and mouth. This includes most frequently dogs, but cats, rodents, bats, monkeys and foxes also pose a risk.
If you are travelling to a country with Rabies, Pre Exposure Rabies Vaccination is recommended especially if you are:-
- in an area where access to appropriate medical care is unlikely to be quick,
- if you are living or staying for more than one month
- undertaking high risk activities such as cycling or running.
It is worth noting that there have been many reported cases of unprovoked bites, i.e. the animal comes to you, and that an animal with a normal appearance cannot be considered to be free of Rabies.
Pre Exposure Vaccination before travel.
Consists of 3 injections given into the upper arm over a period of 4 weeks. Needs to start at least 1 month before travel. Available from private travel clinics, not on the NHS.
First aid if bitten.
As soon as possible after the incident the wound should be cleaned by thorough flushing under a running tap for several minutes then washed thoroughly with soap and running water.
If possible a suitable disinfectant should be applied either 40 to 70% alcohol or tincture or aqueous solution of “povidone-iodine”.
Wound to be covered with a simple dressing if possible.
Salivary exposure to mucous membranes such as eyes, nose or mouth should be washed thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible. (Green Book, Chapter 27, Rabies, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book#the-green-book).
If you have accessed pre exposure vaccination you should seek medical help ASAP as you will need some further post exposure vaccination.
If you have not accessed pre exposure vaccination it is vital that you access medical help without delay. You will need a rapid risk assessment by a medical professional. It is possible that you will need to be given something called “immunoglobulin”, which will give you an immediate but short term protection while you start a course of vaccination that will allow you to develop your own immunity to Rabies.
PLEASE NOTE THE “IMMUNOGLOBULIN” IF NEEDED WILL BE GIVEN INTO AND AROUND THE BITE ANY LOCAL ANAESTHETIC OR SUTURING NEEDED MUST BE DELAYED UNTIL AFTER THIS HAS BEEN DONE.
TRAVEL ADVICE.
General Information
As there are no appointments available to book before your date of intended travel these are the details of the vaccinations we have on record for you.
Unfortunately our Receptionists are not qualified to give travel advice.
We have prepared some travel advice leaflets, detailing travel websites you can access, information on vaccinations and dates any boosters may be needed, pre exposure rabies vaccination and bite prevention.
Please note malaria tablets are not available on the NHS. Your Pharmacist will be able to advise you.
It is possible that the vaccinations you need for the country you intend to travel to are in date and you may not need any boosters. By accessing the travel websites online you can see what is needed for your upcoming holiday.
Vaccine Efficiency
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio Protection lasts for 10 years
- Hepatitis A 2 vaccinations in a 12 month period
will give you a 25 year cover.
- Injectable Typhoid Protection lasts for 3 years.
Private Travel Clinic
The nearest Private Travel Clinic to Newtons Surgery is:
Citydoc Lindfield
83, High Street
Lindfield
RH16 2HN
Tel: 0808 274 9806
Alternatively
Gatwick Airport Travel Clinic
Rooms 1-3
Furlong Way
Gatwick
RH6 0JW
Tel: 0330 100 4174
or
Sussex Travel Clinic
Suite 2
30 The Drive
Hove
BN3 3JD
Tel: 01273 749100