If you are planning to go abroad it is advisable as part of your travel preparations to make sure you have appropriate vaccinations.

As we are not a travel clinic we only offer a limited service under the NHS.  The vaccinations we offer are all free of charge and they are as follows:

• Tetanus/Diptheria/Polio
• Hep A
• Typhoid

We do NOT provide the following vaccines:

• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis B*
• Rabies
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Tick Borne Encephalitis

* This vaccination may be available free of charge at the surgery if you are travelling for occupational reasons.

Anti-malaria tablets are required for some destinations.  Chloroquine and proguanil can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.  All other anti-malaria drugs require a doctor's prescription, for which there will be a charge.

Therefore, if you are planning to travel abroad and think or have been advised by someone (eg your travel agent) that you may require vaccinations, it is advisable to ring the surgery to determine if we can offer the vaccinations at the surgery based on the location and type of holiday.

If we can provide the vaccinations you require, you will need to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse at least 4 weeks prior to departing for your destination so that an appointment can be booked with sufficient time to ensure that the vaccinations will be effective.

When you ring to make your appointment please have available the following information:

• the country you are visiting
• the length of stay
• when you are going
• the type of holiday (eg tourist resort, backpacking)

However, if you are likely to require special vaccinations that we do not provide (eg yellow fever, rabies) because you are visiting ‘higher risk’ geographical areas such as South America, Africa, Middle East, and/or you are intending to work abroad, and/or you are ‘backpacking’, and/or you have specific planned activities whilst abroad, you may be advised to contact a specialized (private) travel clinic.  Private travel clinics are able to offer vaccinations that are not available free on the NHS.  (Please note they may charge a consultation fee for this service.)

NB:  We recommend contacting a travel clinic as far in advance of your holiday as possible, as many special vaccinations that are not available on the NHS require a course of up to 3 injections over several weeks.

For more information please ask for one of our leaflets - Advice For Travellers and Malaria Advice.

Information about travel advice and treatment is available on the travel website: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk