Travel Medicine/ Holiday Vaccination

When travelling overseas there are some essential factors to consider that can avoid unnecessary trauma.
Flights and long distance travel can be problematic for some people; those at risk of leg/ lung clots, those with breathing difficulties, heavy smokers, nervous flyers, those taking some medications or those with mobility issues.

These problems are often alleviated by a consultation with the GP in advance of the flight/ journey. Preparing for potential issues while travelling to an area without access to any or familiar medical care may involve immunisations or preventative medications for tropical/ contagious illnesses such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Polio, Diptheria, Tetanus, Malaria.

We are one of few practices who are World Health Organisation (WHO) licensed to give the Yellow Fever Vaccination and provide necessary documentation for travel into certain countries and across some borders.

Often, advice about potential interactions between medications is useful in advance of travel.

• Will the malaria tablets affect my contraceptive pill?
• Which ones are affected by sunlight/ alcohol?
• Should I bring tablets, creams for diarrhoea, insect bites, travel sickness?
• Do I need documentation re my medications/ inhalers/ vaccinations for flights/borders?

Accessing medical care while abroad is often difficult and costly and adequate preparation in advance of travelling is imperative to avoid any un-necessary difficulties during your time away from home.