Step by step instructions obtain travel health advice, immunisations and medications from the practice;
1. PLAN AHEAD: allow at least 6 weeks before your journey as protection afforded by immunisations given very close to the time of travel may not be sufficient.
2. Go to http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx and look at what is required for your country of destination. If Yellow Fever immunisation is required you will need to arrange to go to a Yellow Fever centre (nearest are Riverside in Wick or Tain & Fearn).
3. Make an appointment to be seen at a surgery travel clinic by either Dr Claydon or Dr Nicoll. (alternatively attend a private specialist clinic eg Abermed in Inverness tel 01463 710441). If travel is imminent (<1 week) you will need to go to a private clinic.
4 Whilst awaiting the appointment, review the details of your destination on the ‘fit for travel’ website, this way any questions you have about particular vaccines etc can be addressed at the appointment. Please locate any immunisation records you may have and bring them with you to the appointment.
5 Attend the travel clinic appointment you have booked. You will be assessed and given advice about ongoing medical problems, current medication, problems with medications abroad, general travel advice, immunisations required and anti-malarials. You will be given the NHS and private prescriptions (if required) that you will need. The appointment will last about 30min. (Immunisations currently free on the NHS include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningococcal ACWY) (All other travel vaccinations / medications solely for travel including antimalarials and letters are private).
5. If you require any private prescription(s) the practice charges a total fee of £25 per person. The pharmacist will charge you for the actual cost of private medications which unfortunately can be expensive.
6. Take your prescription(s) to a pharmacy of your choice and obtain the medications you need. Any immunisations will be ordered for you and stored in the pharmacy fridge.
7. Make an appointment with the practice nurse (not GP) for any immunisations you require, this should normally be to complete the course at least 2 weeks prior to travel in order for the vaccine to have full effect. Please collect your immunisations from the pharmacy on your way to the appointment and bring them with you.
