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Travel Clinic
When travelling abroad you should determine, as soon as possible, which, if any vaccines may be required, this can be determined at the Department of Health website by clicking here. Once this has been established you should book a 20 minute appointment with the practice nurse, ideally 6 to 8 weeks prior to travelling. Should your need to travel be at short notice you should still make an appointment. The practice is a registered Yellow Fever Centre. Some vaccinations are free under the NHS but the following have to be paid for privately, please hover your mouse here for charges.
General Travel Advice
When travelling you should remember to take enough of your regular medication to cover the whole time you are away as identifying medication abroad may prove difficult. You may need a letter from your doctor when carrying some medication abroad. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Travelling to some holiday destinations can pose risks to general health but with care you can minimise exposure to most health hazards. Click here for the governments Health Advice for Travellers Leaflet.
Sun Protection
A deep tan may seem a good idea at the time but too much exposure may lead to skin cancer later on. It is in your best interest to apply a high factor sunscreen whenever you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, whether in the U.K or abroad.
Other ways of minimising the risk of over exposure to the sun are;
Wear a hat or cap whenever out in the sun, especially when walking about and wear loose fitting cotton clothes.
Stay out of the midday sun; avoid exposure between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.
Drink plenty of water.
Children are at greater risk of skin cancer in later life if left under protected. Children should not be left to play in the sun for long periods and where possible they should wear a loose fitting, long sleeved top and a hat. Always use very high factor or total block sunscreens. Babies under the age of two years should avoid sun exposure totally. For more information click here.
A basic first aid kit containing elastoplasts, painkillers, oil of cloves (toothache), antiseptic cream and insect repellent may be useful while on holiday. For some food and water safety tips, click here.