Our practice nurse will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Allow six weeks in order for the vaccine(s) to be effective. Certain vaccines are chargeable - please ask at the time of your booking.
Download the travel vaccination form (DOCX, 23KB)
Please return the completed form to the surgery.
Travel vaccine patient information
Travel insurance​
If you’re travelling abroad, you should ensure you have adequate travel insurance should the worst happen. Don’t wait until you travel, you should buy insurance at the same time you book your trip to ensure you are covered. www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
GHIC​
If you’re travelling in Europe, you’d be wise to organise a GHIC card. The card allows for lower cost access to some European healthcare. It won’t replace your travel insurance, but your insurer may expect you to use it before you claim. www.gov.uk/global-health-insurance-card
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. 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 in doubt 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 fruits should be carefully washed in clean water. If in doubt 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 this respect.
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 foget to tell your doctor that you have travelled abroad.
If you have received treatment abroad, tell your doctor on your return.
When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.
2023 travel vaccination charges
Free under NHS
The following vaccinations are free of charge:-
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A Junior
- Typhoid
Not under NHS - cost to be covered by patient
| Service |
Farley |
| Immunity testing |
refer to Croydon University Hospital |
| Travel vaccination certificates |
£15.00 |
Please note a charge of £15.00 is applicable for Travel Booklet
A charge of £15.00 for Private Prescription for Travel
We do not charge a consultation fee; all other vaccinations will need to be booked through a Travel Clinic if travelling within 6 weeks.
Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months
For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so. Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. Supply of any medication is at the discretion of the GP.
Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months
Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).
They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patients that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.
Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.
Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad
GP’s will only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses. Eg antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.
GPs may provide private prescriptions if it is clinically appropriate and they can be self-administered safely without medical assessment while abroad. These prescriptions are not free.
Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that country’s embassy before you travel.
See also supply of medication for patients travelling abroad on our prescriptions page.