Our practice nurses will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Please allow adequate time in order for a vaccine to be effective. You may have to pay for certain vaccines – please check when booking an appointment.
Fill out our Online Travel Risk Assessment form and either email it back to us at iwccg.towerhouse@nhs.net or drop it in to the surgery. Please do this at least 6 weeks before you travel.
Before you go
Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the tourist office/embassy of the country you intend to visit on any special precautions you may need to take. At least two months before departure discuss any vaccination requirements with the practice nurse. (It would be helpful to bring your full itinerary details for the trip to your appointment together with details of any previous immunisations you may have had.) Pack a small first aid kit containing adhesive dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water purification tablets etc; ask at the pharmacy.
When abroad
Check on the quality of the drinking water. If the quality is doubtful either drink only bottled water or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks as this may well have been made from suspect water. Raw vegetables, salads and fresh fruit should be carefully washed in clean water. If you have any doubts stick to freshly cooked food.
Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sunscreen particularly in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be closely monitored. In hot climates, drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. If you are not passing water regularly you are not drinking enough.
On your return
If you fall ill, don’t forget to tell your doctor that you have been travelling abroad. If you have received treatment abroad, tell your doctor on return. When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.