Immunisations
A full range of immunisations for both adults and children is available. Please make an appointment with the Practice Nurse who will advise and arrange for any immunisations to be given. Most baby immunisations are carried out routinely in the Tuesday ‘Baby Clinic’, and pre-school boosters on Wednesday afternoons, between 3pm and 4pm.
Travel Advice
We off travel immunisations, which may be subject to a charge. Please attend the surgery and fill in a travel risk assessment form where a nurse will contact you by telephone shortly after.
If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.
When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?
You should seek assistance regarding travel vaccination at least 6 to 8 weeks before you’re due to travel.
Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity, and some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.
You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you’re:
- travelling in rural areas
- backpacking
- staying in hostels or camping
- on a long trip rather than a package holiday
If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.
Which travel vaccines do I need?
You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you’ll be visiting on these websites:
Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.
Which travel vaccines are free?
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:
- polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
- typhoid
- hepatitis A
- cholera
These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.
Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?
You’ll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
- hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- meningitis
- rabies
- tick-borne encephalitis
- tuberculosis (TB)
- yellow fever
Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres.
The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need. It’s worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.
Please note that Woodstock Bower Surgery does not offer vaccinations not offered by the NHS and therefore attracting a fee. Patients should contact a Private Travel Clinic regarding these vaccinations.
So how do I get my travel vaccines?
Patients need to complete a Travel Vaccination Enquiry form.
This can be accessed through AccuRx or telephone