Travel Vaccinations and advice

Travel vaccinations

Travel advice and vaccinations is a private service that we are able to offer.  Some vaccinations for travel are free on the NHS, others are available for a fee. Please be aware that we do not currently offer the Yellow Fever vaccination.

If you would like to book for travel advice/vaccinations, then please access E Consult via this link -  Consult Online from Home - Rudgwick Medical Centre, select "Adult health problems", select the option for travel advice, then click "I still want to contact my GP practice". 

We advise you book at least 8 weeks prior to travel.

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

• Travel Health Pro
• NHS fit for Travel

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.  In addition 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.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should then find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

 Rudgwick Surgery Policy

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so.  Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. Supply of any medication is at the discretion of the GP.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination.

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patients that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad

GP’s will only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses. Eg antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.

GPs may provide private prescriptions if it is clinically appropriate and they can be self-administered safely without medical assessment while abroad. These prescriptions are not free.

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that country’s embassy before you travel.

The fear of flying or aerophobia is when you experience an intense fear of being on an aeroplane. It affects 1 in 10 people. 

The following Airlines offer Fear or Flying courses. They are more effective than drugs and have none of the side effects. The positive effects of the course continue after you have completed it. 

Easyjet - https://www.fearless-flyer.com/

British Airways - Fear of flying courses from British Airways™ | Flying With Confidence

Virgin Atlantic - Tips For Nervous Flyers | Advice For Nervous Flyers | Virgin Atlantic

Diazepam and other sedatives

Many practices in the UK do not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. This is the case for our Practice. No one at the practice will prescribe Diazepam (Valium) or other sedatives for you to take on a flight. If you still wish to take a sedative for fear or flying, you will need to consult with a private GP or private travel clinic.

Why we DO NOT prescribe sedatives

Safety in an emergency. Diazepam is a sedative which means it makes you more sleepy. If there is an emergency during the flight it may affect your ability to follow instructions. This could put the safety of you and others around you at serious risk.

Risk of clots. Sedative drugs may make you fall asleep but this sleep is not a natural sleep, you won't move around as you would with natural sleep. This can put you at an increased risk of developing blood clots in the leg (DVT) or lungs (PE). Blood clots are very dangerous and in some cases can be fatal. 

Side effects.

• Low oxygen levels. Sedative medications can affect your breathing and cause low oxygen levels. There is already less circulating oxygen on an aeroplane. Reduced oxygen combined with sedative medications can be very dangerous. 
• Agitation. Most people find taking Diazepam makes them sleepy. A small number of people become agitated and aggressive instead. This can put both you and other passengers on the plan at risk and get you into trouble with the police. 

Medical guidelines. The prescribing guidelines (BNF) state that Diazepam should not be prescribed for phobias. If you doctor does not follow these guidelines, they are taking a significant legal risk.

Illegal in some countries.  Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in some countries. As a result they may get confiscated or the local police may become involved.