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 Here is some general advice on vaccinations, medication and other health issues that you may find of use before and during your holiday abroad.
Vaccinations
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TETANUS: Contracted through dirty cuts and scratches. Tetanus is recommended for most travel abroad and boosters should be kept up to date. The vaccine is now given together with diphtheria (both in one vaccine) in order to try and combat the spread of diphtheria from the Balkan states. It is not chargeable in the NHS.
POLIO: People travelling to areas with poor sanitation, and where it is not possible to take effective precautions with water or food hygiene, are recommended to have polio vaccinations. There is no charge for this vaccine in the NHS.
TYPHOID AND HEPATITIS A: These diseases are spread through contaminated food and water. Typhoid causes septicaemia and Hepatitis A causes liver inflammation and jaundice. In risk areas you should be immunised if good hygiene is impossible. There is no charge in the NHS.
HEPATITIS B: This is spread through infected blood or blood products, use of or injury by contaminated needles and sexual intercourse. It affects the liver, causes jaundice and can cause liver failure. People who are visiting high risk areas for long periods or at social risk should be immunised. This involves a course of three injections and blood tests. The course costs £81. If only a booster is required the cost for this is £27.The blood test alone costs £10.
MENINGITIS: Meningococcal Meningitis is spread by droplet infection through close personal contact. Recommended for travellers staying for prolonged periods, mixing closely with locals or visiting during known epidemics. This is not chargeable.
RABIES: This is spread through bites or licks on broken skin from an infected animal. It is always fatal. Vaccination is advised for those going to risk areas that will be remote from a reliable source of vaccine. Even when pre-exposure vaccines have been received urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal bite. You will be charged for the cost of the vaccine by the Practice and a £10 administration fee for the course
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS; This is spread by mosquitoes. It is a serious infection of the brain and vaccination is advised for those in risk areas unable to avoid mosquito bites, staying for long periods (more than 4 weeks) or visiting rural areas. You will be charged for the cost of the vaccine and a £10 administration fee by the Practice for the course.
YELLOW FEVER: This is spread by mosquito bites usually during daytime hours. It is uncommon in tourist areas but can cause serious, often fatal illness, so most people visiting risk areas are advised to be immunised. The Abbey Practice is a designated Yellow Fever Centre and the cost of the vaccine and its’ administration is £46.
Prevention
Most diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid and hepatitis can be prevented by simple measures. This depends upon the use of clean drinking water and ensuring food is uncontaminated or cooked thoroughly. Personal hygiene when eating and drinking is also important including hand washing prior to eating and using clean plates, cups and utensils.
What to avoid
- Water should only be drunk when you are sure of its purity. Don't drink it without boiling, chemical disinfection or using a reliable filter. This also applies to water used for making ice cubes and cleaning teeth. Bottled water is usually safe.
- Milk should be boiled unless you are sure it has been pasteurised.
- Cheeses and ice-cream are often made from unpasteurised milk and when in doubt these should only be bought from larger well established companies when quality can usually be assured
- Meat should be thoroughly cooked and eaten hot. Avoid leftovers.
- Fish and shellfish can be hazardous even if well cooked. When in doubt it is best to avoid them.
- Vegetables should only be eaten when thoroughly cooked
- Green salads should be avoided.
- Fruit should be peeled, including tomatoes.
Medication to take on holiday
Medication you require to take on holiday can be seen by clicking onto Travel Pack on this website.Our Travelling Pharmacy contains medication that covers the following minor injuries or emergencies.
Treament for:
- Cuts and bites
- Diarrhoea and constipation
- Allergies and prickly heat
- Sickness and vomiting
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Headaches and pain
- Fever and heat stroke
Sunshine and the Skin
Do not forget to take suntan lotion or cream if you are visting hot places to avoid getting sunburn.
Remember that you need to apply the cream before going into the sun. The factor (SF factor) marking on the cream gives you an estimate of the amount of time before you are likely to get sunburned. Each one point mark is equivalent to about 10-15 mins of sun exposure depending on the time of day, the season and the country you are visiting. Therefore a SF factor 12 cream will allow you between 2-3 hours of sun exposure in most hot countries before you get sunburned and so on. However some skin types may be more sensitive especially if you have a combination of red or blonde hair with pale skin and/or blue eyes.Most skin types require a factor 15 cream or more to avoid sunburn.
The suntan cream is not a total barrier to the harmful rays of the sun so there are othe rmeasures that need to be taken to avoid sun damage to your skin which include:
Avoid the sun between 11-30am-3-00pm when it is at its strongest.
If swimming remember to reapply suncream after coming out of the water even though it may be called a water resistant cream.
If out in the sun wear t-shirts and sun hats or caps to avoid excessive exposure to the sun especially in the middle of the day | 
