FAQ’s Regarding Travelling
Vaccinations
Do I need to get vaccines for my holiday?
Vaccine and health requirements vary by destination. To find up-to-date information specific to the country you’re visiting—including recommended vaccinations and safety advice—please visit the Travel Health Pro website. You can also speak to your travel agent for advice and support in planning a safe and healthy trip.
Can I request a copy of my vaccine history?
Of course, if you email us on trinity.medicalcentre@nhs.net we can provide you with a copy of your vaccination history to allow you to check if you need any vaccinations yourself.
What vaccines can I get for free on the NHS?
– polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab) – lasts 10 years after administered
– typhoid – Lasts 3 years after administered
– hepatitis A – after 2nd dose, lasts 25 years
– typhoid – Lasts 3 years after administered
– hepatitis A – after 2nd dose, lasts 25 years
What vaccines are not available on the NHS and how do I get them?
– Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis
– meningitis vaccines
– rabies
– tuberculosis (TB)
– yellow fever
– hepatitis B
For these vaccines you need to visit a private travel clinic, there is many options available online and some local pharmacies offer this service. For certain vaccinations you need to visit a Yellow Fever Centre, the nearest centre can be found on the NATHNAC website here
– meningitis vaccines
– rabies
– tuberculosis (TB)
– yellow fever
– hepatitis B
For these vaccines you need to visit a private travel clinic, there is many options available online and some local pharmacies offer this service. For certain vaccinations you need to visit a Yellow Fever Centre, the nearest centre can be found on the NATHNAC website here
How do I book in at the surgery for my travel vaccines?
We kindly ask that you submit your travel risk assessment form at least 12 weeks before your departure date where possible. This allows us enough time to assess your needs and schedule any necessary vaccinations.
Please note that travel clinic appointments are extremely limited, and we cannot guarantee availability. If we are unable to offer you an appointment, we will inform you upon receiving your form, and you may need to visit a private travel clinic instead.
To avoid disappointment—especially for travel between June and September, when demand is highest—we strongly recommend submitting your form as early as possible.
You can complete the travel risk assessment form here. If multiple people are flying, a form needs filling out for each patient.
Please note that travel clinic appointments are extremely limited, and we cannot guarantee availability. If we are unable to offer you an appointment, we will inform you upon receiving your form, and you may need to visit a private travel clinic instead.
To avoid disappointment—especially for travel between June and September, when demand is highest—we strongly recommend submitting your form as early as possible.
You can complete the travel risk assessment form here. If multiple people are flying, a form needs filling out for each patient.
Other
I require a fit-to-fly letter
We are unable to issue letters/certificates stating patients are ‘fit to fly’. Assessing whether someone can fly calls outside our area of expertise as General Practitioners (GPs).
Your hospital team will be better placed than us to inform your airline of some conditions. Pregnant women may be able to obtain the required paperwork from their obstetrician/midwife team.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority states:
‘Most airlines have medical advisors who advise and clear passengers as fit to fly. The final decision on whether or not to carry a passenger is that of the airline.
For further information, please see the health pages on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Health guidelines for air travel | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
Your hospital team will be better placed than us to inform your airline of some conditions. Pregnant women may be able to obtain the required paperwork from their obstetrician/midwife team.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority states:
‘Most airlines have medical advisors who advise and clear passengers as fit to fly. The final decision on whether or not to carry a passenger is that of the airline.
For further information, please see the health pages on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Health guidelines for air travel | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
I’m scared of flying, can I get medication to calm my anxiety?
Trinity Medical Centre is unable to prescribe benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) to patients for fear of flying. Many other GP practices have a similar policy. Further information on this decision is available here