Travel Vaccine Service
Travel Clinic
Unfortunately we do not have a travel clinic any longer.
If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to book an appointment at the travel clinic by calling 01142712608 or click here
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the link below:
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations#europe-russia
Travelling in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website below.
europa.eu/european-union/life/travel-tourism_en
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FEAR OF FLYING
Patients come to us, asking us to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying. There are a number of very good reasons why prescribing this drug is not recommended.
1) Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there is an emergency during the flight it may impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and react to the situation. This could have serious safety consequences for you and those around you.
2) Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however when you do sleep it is an unnatural non-REM sleep. This means you won't move around as much as during natural sleep. This can cause you to be at increased risk of developing a blood clot (DVT) in the leg or even the lung. Blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal. This risk is even greater if your flight is greater than 4 hours.
3) Whilst most people find benzodiazepines like diazepam sedating, a small number have paradoxical agitation and increased aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally. This could impact on your safety as well as that of other passengers and could also get you into trouble with the law.
4) According to the prescribing guidelines doctors follow (BNF) Benzodiazepines are contraindicated (not allowed) in treating phobia. Your doctor would be taking a significant legal risk by prescribing against these guidelines. They are only licensed short term for a crisis in generalised anxiety. If this is the case, you should be getting proper care and support for your mental health and not going on a flight.
5) Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in a number of countries. They may be confiscated or you may find yourself in trouble with the police.
6) Diazepam stays in your system for quite a while. If your job requires you to submit to random drug testing you may fail this having taken diazepam.
We appreciate that fear of flying is very real and very frightening. A much better approach is to tackle this properly with a Fear of Flying course run by the airlines. We have listed a number of these below.
Easy Jet
British Airways
Virgin
Prepare for your Holiday
It is always a wise precaution to pack some essential items in case of illness on holiday. Do choose medicines according to your needs and the country you are visiting. If you take prescription medicines regularly, remember to pack them too.
Holiday Kit
- Paracetamol
- Travel sickness tablets
- Plasters
- Rehydration solutions
- Anti-diarrhoeal, e.g. Imodium
- High factor sunscreen, calamine lotion
Immunisation
- Always check whether you need any immunisations or malarial tablets before you travel
- If possible, seek advice 2 months before travelling.
Other Essentials To Pack
- Anti-malarial
- Water purification tablets
- Insect repellent
- Condoms / other contraceptives
Medical Insurance
- Arrange medical insurance
- If you are travelling in Europe don't forget to apply for either a UK EHIC or UK EHIC card.
This will entitle you to free or reduced cost medical care within the EU. Remember to take the card with you on holiday.