Getting ready for a holiday, visiting family overseas or travelling for work? You may need travel vaccinations before you go.
But what happens if your GP surgery has limited appointments or cannot fit you in before departure?
At Trustwell Clinic, we can help you understand your travel vaccination options. We will always advise you if a vaccine is available free on the NHS, so you can make an informed choice before paying for private treatment.
Which travel vaccines are free on the NHS?
These four travel vaccines are available free through NHS GP surgeries when a travel risk assessment shows they are needed:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Cholera
Polio, given in the combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine.
You may not need all of them. Recommendations depend on where you are going, what you will be doing and which vaccinations you have already had.
Why can some GP surgeries struggle to offer travel appointments?
If you have had difficulty booking, you are not alone in finding travel arrangements confusing. Travel vaccination appointments involve much more than giving an injection.
Travel assessments take time
The clinician needs to review your destination, itinerary, health conditions, medicines and previous vaccinations. They must assess which vaccines are appropriate and explain other relevant travel risks.
Appropriately trained staff must be available
Travel health requires specific knowledge and skills. A surgery’s appointment availability may be affected by staffing levels, leave or the availability of clinicians trained to provide the service.
Some vaccines need several appointments
Certain vaccinations involve a course of doses. Fitting these appointments in before your departure can be difficult, particularly if you contact the surgery close to your travel date.
Private travel services vary between surgeries
Some GP surgeries provide NHS travel vaccines but do not offer additional private travel vaccinations. You may therefore need another provider for part of your travel care.
CQC guidance explains the assessment, training and safety arrangements required for travel health services. These requirements help explain why providing a service takes staff time and resources.
Does that mean GP surgeries can opt out of free travel vaccines?
In England, GP practices are required to offer the NHS travel vaccines when clinically appropriate. Limited appointment availability is different from a vaccine no longer being available on the NHS.
If you cannot book, ask your surgery how to access its NHS travel vaccination service. Arrangements elsewhere in the UK may differ. CQC guidance
How can Trustwell Clinic help?
If you are struggling to arrange travel vaccinations, contact Trustwell Clinic to discuss your travel plans, the vaccinations you may need and appointment availability.
We will:
Always explain if a recommended vaccine is available free through the NHS, subject to assessment.
Explain any private charges before you decide to proceed.
Discuss the timing of your vaccinations and whether further doses may be needed.
You can choose to seek eligible vaccines free through your GP. If you choose private vaccination at Trustwell instead, private fees apply and will be explained before treatment.
Which travel vaccines usually need private payment?
For travel purposes, the following vaccines are not routinely available free on the NHS:
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Japanese encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis
Yellow fever.
Availability varies between providers. Yellow fever vaccination must be given at a designated vaccination centre.
How early should I get advice?
Aim to get travel health advice at least four to six weeks before you leave. Some vaccines need multiple doses, and protection takes time to develop.
Travelling sooner? Contact your GP or Trustwell Clinic as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Planning a trip? Speak to Trustwell Clinic
Have your destination, departure date and any vaccination records ready when you contact us.
Contact Trustwell Clinic to discuss your travel vaccination needs. We will always let you know if a recommended vaccine is available free on the NHS and explain any private costs before you proceed.