Holiday Vaccinations
 If you are planning a trip abroad you should see your GP or practice nurse at least eight weeks before you go, if possible. This is to discuss any vaccinations you might need.
The vaccinations you need depend on where you are travelling, what existing medical conditions you have and what medication you are already taking. If you are pregnant, you should not have any unnecessary vaccinations - talk to your GP.
As well as having new jabs for common diseases in the country you are travelling to, you should make sure you're up to date with booster jabs such as tetanus.
Your GP or practice nurse may only be able provide the free vaccinations. These can vary across practices, but are usually:
· typhoid,
· hepatitis A,
· meningitis C,
· tetanus, and
· polio.
Other vaccinations are not usually free. Your GP may charge for them (including an administration fee) or refer you to a special travel clinic. They include:
diphtheria,
yellow fever,
meningiococcal meningitis,
japanese and tick-borne encephalitis,
hepatitis B, and
rabies.
You will have to go back more than once for the rabies jab, as it is usually given in three doses.
Anti-malaria medication is not usually free but it is available from some pharmacies. You need to start taking it about three weeks before you travel, and continue taking it while you are away.
|
