Travel Clinics and Foreign Travel

Our Practice Nurses can provide comprehensive advice about overseas travel and vaccinations. It is expected that foreign travel will resume for some countries from May 17th 2021.

Guidance on travel

COVID-19 VACCINE CERTIFICATES

The government has confirmed that the NHS app will go live as a vaccine passport for international travel from Monday 17th May, but only for those who have had both doses.

People who do not use smartphones can phone 119 for a paper letter confirming their vaccine status.

Please note we are unable to offer you any form of official vaccination certificate. Please call 119 from May 17th.

You can download the NHS app yourself from the following website

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-app/

The practice has already activated Data sharing to show your vaccine status on approved patient access apps including the NHS app.

You will need a photo of yourself aswell as your ID so we can upload this information online to the NHS app and activate your account.

TRAVEL VACCINES

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. Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

BEFORE YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A TRAVEL CLINIC

• We recommend you make an appointment with our nurses at least 8 weeks before you’re due to travel.
• Before you make this appointment YOU MUST fill in the form below and submit it to our practice OR hand it in to reception so we can then make an appointment for travel advice and immunisations

Portcullis Travel Risk Assessment Form

• Ideally book an appt with Nurse Joanne (or Nurse Amanda or Joy) for a travel clinic she works on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and also does evening clinics on Tuesdays.

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.

TRAVEL VACCINATION COSTS

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they’re recommended for travel to a certain area. Some non-NHS travel vaccines incur a charge and we will let you know what this is during your consultation.

Find out further information about countries and vaccinations required by clicking the following links:

Travel vaccinations – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Fit for Travel information

GUIDELINES REGARDING TESTING FOR DEPARTURE FROM UK OR ON ARRIVAL FROM GREEN, AMBER AND RED ZONED COUNTRIES.

**We are very sorry but travellers do not qualify for free PCR swab tests on the NHS, free NHS tests are only for patients who have symptoms.**

CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE PCR TEST AT THE PRACTICE FOR TRAVELLING?

NO I’M AFRAID WE DO NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE AT THE MOMENT. We have signposted in the spaces below the information you need to access these services online.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PCR TESTS NEEDED TO TRAVEL?

COSTS ARE VARIABLE

• We recommend you contact your airline or travel company as they may have discounted rates for PCR swab tests.
• You will need to book a test with a private provider, with more than 500 listed on the government website.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-englandhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/providers-of-day-2-and-day-8-coronavirus-testing-for-international-arrivals

IS THERE ANYWAY TO FIND OUT WHICH IS THE CHEAPEST TEST?

• You may find the following comparism website “Covid Testing Network” useful.
• Be careful though as many of these cheaper options use Royal mail or other cheaper mail options which may not deliver your test in time for your journey.
• Covid Testing Network offers a platform to help individuals find the right test, for the right purpose, through a simple comparison of hundreds of pre- and post-travel testing providers. The site features all accredited PCR testing providers across the UK. It is run by volunteers.

https://www.covid19-testing.org/travel-testing

Travelling out of the UK

Depending on the guidelines from the government of the country you are travelling to, travellers may be required to conduct a laboratory PCR test for COVID-19, performed by a certified laboratory before their trip.

Visit the following website to check whether you need proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test (Fit to Fly test and certificate) for your destination.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Travelling back to the UK

Countries will be classified into three lists: RED, AMBER and GREEN

Pre-departure testing for all arrivals to the UK

The government currently requires travellers — including Britons abroad — to be tested up to 72 hours before they board UK-bound flights. This can include cheap “lateral flow” tests. Results must be presented on arrival into the UK, with £500 fines possible for failing to provide one.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

QUARANTINE RULES FOR CORONAVIRUS

Countries will be classified into three lists: RED, AMBER and GREEN

GREEN COUNTRIES

Arrivals from Green countries

• do not need to quarantine when they return to the UK
• Need to present a pre-departure test done up to 72 hours before you board your UK-board flight (can be a cheap lateral flow test)
• Need to carry out a PCR swab test on DAY 2 (The day you arrive is Day 0)

(Please. note: Most providers are only offering the Package of Day 2 and Day 8. The only provider we can find online at the moment providing DAY 2 ONLY PCR swabs is CHHP (Centre for Health & Human Performance, 76 Harley Street, London, W1G 7HH Telephone: 020 7637 7677 Email: info@chhp.com)

https://certific.chhp.com/?utm_source=CTN-Comparison

No doubt other providers will come on board for Day 2 testing Only soon please check the price comparism website

https://www.covid19-testing.org/travel-testing

AMBER COUNTRIES

Arrivals from Green countries

• Need to quarantine when they return to the UK
• Need to present a pre-departure test done up to 72 hours before you board your UK-board flight (can be a cheap lateral flow test)
• Need to carry out a PCR swab test on DAY 2 (The day you arrive is Day 0) AND Day 8 with the option for Test to Release on day five to end self-isolation early.
• Without the results, they have to quarantine until the end of the 14th day.

RED COUNTRIES

Arrivals from Green countries

• Need to quarantine when they return to the UK in a government approved hotel for 10 days
• Need to present a pre-departure test done up to 72 hours before you board your UK-board flight (can be a cheap lateral flow test)
• Need to carry out a PCR swab test on DAY 2 (The day you arrive is Day 0) AND Day 8.
• YOU DO NOT HAVE THE OPTION for Test to Release on day five to end self-isolation early.

If you have been in or through any of the countries listed in the link below in the previous 10 days, you will be refused entry to the UK.

If you are a British or Irish National, or you have residence rights in the UK, you will be able to enter. You must quarantine in a government approved hotel for 10 days.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): red list travel ban countries – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)