Travel Vaccinations

Please be aware that clinics may make a charge for any consultation, whether vaccines are needed or not.

The only travel vaccines available on the NHS, and given by the surgery are:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio

These are free of charge.

• Cholera is issued on a prescription and the current charge will be payable

If you identify that you need any of these vaccines, please book an appointment at the surgery at least four weeks before your planned travel date.

For all other travel vaccines or malaria prescriptions please visit a travel clinic or large pharmacy.

Fear of Flying Policy

Prescribing of diazepam or other hypnotics for fear of flying will not be provided on NHS prescriptions unless in exceptional circumstances. This is because of lack of evidence for the use of these medicines and the risk of adverse effects, as outlined below. 

• Fear of flying is common despite flying being safer than road or rail travel in most developed countries.
• Try distraction by talking with other passengers, watching a film, listening to music or reading. 
• Tell the cabin crew. Reassurance about routine aircraft sounds and in flight activities can help. 
• Research shows that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can be helpful for more severe cases. The person identifies what they actually fear and then learns different ways of overcoming it. 

A number of airlines run courses aimed at alleviating travellers fears, such as:

• British Airways Flying with Confidence 
• Easyjet Fearless Flyer

Clinical considerations 

• NICE: Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) are associated with a less good outcome in the long term and should not be prescribed for the treatment of individuals with panic disorder.
• Sedative-hypnotics (e.g. diazepam) should not be combined with alcohol (which is commonly consumed by nervous flyers) because there is a risk of excessive sedation and respiratory suppression.
• Sedative-hypnotics (e.g. diazepam) should not be taken by individuals who may be called upon to make important decisions (e.g. parents responsible for the care of young children or in case of an inflight emergency) because they can cause excess sedation and impair decision-making.
• Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) may cause drowsiness, impair concentration and impair decision making which may impair a person’s ability to drive when they reach their destination.
• The risk of adverse effects is increased in older adults, especially those who are older than 75 years.

Developed by St Lawrence Surgery January 2020. Acknowledgement: this document was adapted from a document developed by Brighton & Hove CCG.