This guidance is to help GPs and LMCs (local medical committees) understand the regulations on travel immunisations. Clinical information is in the Green Book.
Travel vaccinations that are included in GMS
These vaccinations must be given as part of NHS provision through GMS services, and no fee can be charged to a registered patient:
Disease |
Circumstances in which vaccine or immunisation is to be provided |
|---|---|
Cholera |
A course of immunisation is to be offered to persons travelling— i. to an area where they may risk exposure to infections as a consequence of being in that area; or ii. (ii) to the country where it is a condition of entry to that country that persons have been immunised |
Hepatitis A |
A course of immunisation is to be offered to persons travelling to areas where the degree of exposure to infections is believed to be high Persons who may be at a higher risk of infection include those who— i. intend to reside in an area for at least three months and may be exposed to Hepatitis A during that period; or ii. (if exposed to Hepatitis A, may be less resistant to infection because of a pre-existing disease or condition or who are at risk of developing medical complications from exposure |
Poliomyelitis (or Polio) |
A course of immunisation (using an age appropriate combine vaccine) is to be offered to persons travelling— i. to an area where they may risk exposure to infection as a consequence of being in that area; or ii. to a country where it is a condition of entry to that country that persons have been immunised |
Typhoid |
A course of typhoid vaccine is to be offered to persons travelling— i. to an area where they may risk exposure to infection as a consequence of being in that area; or ii. to a country where it is a condition of entry to that country that persons have been immunised. |
Travel vaccinations that are not included in GMS
Charging
Whilst practices are restricted from charging registered patients for most services Section 25 of the GMS regulations states:
'The contractor may demand or accept a fee or other remuneration.... for treatment consisting of an immunisation for which no remuneration is payable by the CCG and which is requested in connection with travel abroad.'
The practice may therefore charge a registered patient if such a vaccination is requested for travel.
The patient may either be given a private prescription to get the vaccines, or charged for stock purchased and held by the practice. Administration is also chargeable.
Travelling with medication
Some airlines are advising travellers bringing medication in their hand luggage, should bring a letter from their medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for.
We have raised this issue with the airline, who advised that if a passenger packs their medication in their hold luggage, they do not require any of their medical information.
If a passenger seeks to carry their essential medication in their cabin luggage, and the form of the medication contravenes aviation regulations e.g., the use of sharps, liquids more than 100ml or oxygen cylinders, they require the passenger to produce confirmation from their healthcare practitioner that the medication is necessary to be carried as it may be required on board.
However, as the advice on their website is not clear on this point as it "advises passengers to take their medication in their hand luggage, and it does not specify which sort of medication requires a letter", we have written to the airline again asking for their webpage to be updated on this point.
Practices may choose to do this private work but are not obliged to do so; if they do, practices are able to charge for travel-related requests for information. Patients can also provide proof of medical conditions and medication by showing airlines their medical records on the NHS App, by accessing their online medical record, or by getting a copy of their medical summary from their practice.