travel vaccinations exmouth

Travel Clinic

It is important to be well prepared before travelling abroad..

One way to protect yourself and your family is to make sure you have had the correct vaccines for your intended travel destination. 

Our specially-trained travel health pharmacists can provide advice and information on which vaccinations you will need. We recommend speaking to our pharmacist six to eight weeks before you travel. However, even if time is short, we can still help you with options to consider.

Our travel vaccinations:

Chickenpox is caused by the Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus and most commonly affects children although can be caught at any age. Chickenpox is not usually dangerous it can be very unpleasant especially if caught in later life however can be dangerous for patients with an impaired immune system, new born babies and pregnant women.

The Chickenpox vaccine has proven to reduce the incidences of catching Chickenpox however does not completely eradicate the possibility. It is thought however if a person develops Chickenpox even after having a vaccine the symptoms tend to be much milder.

The vaccine consists of two doses a month apart and can be given from 1 year of age.

The Chickenpox vaccine must be given on the same day or 4 weeks apart from the MMR vaccine. This is because the MMR vaccine causes an increased response to the Chickenpox vaccine meaning that breakthrough infection with the Chickenpox vaccine is more likely if the interval is not respected.

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine caused by contaminated food and water which leads to vomiting and diarrhea.

Countries at risk: Cholera occurs in countries where there is poor sanitation and hygiene. It occurs in areas where there is a limited access to clean water and food and higher rates occur in places of natural disasters.

The cholera vaccine consists of two doses over a 1-6 week period which gives protection for up to two years. The cholera vaccine is a drink that must be drunk on an empty stomach meaning no food or drink (including water) should be ingested an hour before or after the vaccine. The cholera vaccine reduces travellers diarrhoea by 50% and is therefore a big factor in many travellers receiving the vaccination even if they are not heading into a high risk cholera zone.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat and can lead to difficulties in breathing and respiratory problems. In severe cases in unvaccinated individuals the disease can lead to respiratory and heart failure or a build up of toxins in the nervous system. The disease is spread through respiration droplets in sneezes and coughs.

Countries at risk: Thanks to a very successful vaccination programme, the risk in England and other developed countries is very low. Diphtheria cases continue to be reported in South-East Asia, South America, Africa and India where vaccination programmes in childhood may not be as thorough as in other countries.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and is contracted via contaminated supplies of food and water. The World Health Organization have estimated that there are approximately 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A every year worldwide.

Countries at risk: Hepatitis A occurs worldwide however the majority of cases occurs in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene commonly in Africa, Asia, South & Central America.

Once vaccinated with Hepatitis A a booster is required after a minimum of 6 months. Once the booster has been administered the individual will be covered against Hepatitis A for 25 years.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection which is spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. It is often contracted through sexual activity or blood contact with an infected individual. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Countries at risk: Hepatitis B occurs worldwide but higher risk areas include Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, South and Central America.

The hepatitis B vaccination is a three dose course which as a standard is given over 6 months however can be given as an accelerated course over 1 month with a booster after a year.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral brain infection which is spread via mosquito bites. The disease causes inflammation of the brain which can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Countries at risk: Japanese Encephalitis is predominantly found in India and South East Asia and a very remote part of North East Australia.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccination consists of two doses given a month apart and should be considered for travellers planning outdoor activities or planning on living near farms or rice fields. The vaccination lasts for two years.

Malaria is a serious tropical disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes. If it is not diagnosed and treated quickly it can be fatal.

Countries at risk: Higher areas of risk of Malaria occur in Africa, South East Asia, India, and parts of South and Central America.

There are many different malaria tablets to choose from and it is therefore best to book an appointment with our travel advisors to work out which one would best suit your travel.

Meningitis B

Meningitis B is a strain of Meningitis which can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Over half of cases are seen in patients under 5 years old.

For Children aged from 2 years to 10 years old the vaccination consists of two doses at least two months apart. For people over the age of 11 the vaccination consists of two doses spread at least one month apart.

Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningococcal Meningitis is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Countries at risk: Although meningitis is a worldwide risk there are a few countries across Africa that have a much higher risk known as the “meningitis belt”.

Travellers to high risk areas are advised to receive a meningitis vaccine. The meningitis vaccine is a requirement for travellers planning on going to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Hajj or Umrah and will not be allowed into the country without the appropriate certificate. The vaccination will last for up to 5 years. The meningitis vaccine is now also required for students at school and at university.

The MMR vaccination protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This vaccination is a part of the children’s vaccination course given under the NHS and is therefore rarely required. However for patient’s that have missed out on one of these vaccinations they can have a catch up dose. People moving abroad may require proof of MMR Vaccination or may be asked to have the required vaccination for application of visas.

The vaccine consists of two vaccines usually given in childhood. It can be given in adulthood with two doses given over the period of a month. It is a vaccine that is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Polio is a potentially life threatening acute viral infection which is highly contagious and may lead to permanent nerve damage causing paralysis of limbs and respiratory muscles.

Countries at risk: Polio has been largely wiped out over the last century since the introduction of routine polio vaccination. The disease is still however widespread throughout Central Africa and is also present in Asia, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas. The countries at a higher risk of polio (e.g. Pakistan) may ask to see proof of a vaccination if an endemic of the disease while you plan to travel there.

Rabies is a serious viral infection that targets the brain and nervous system. Rabies is contracted via a bite, scratch or saliva (on open wounds) from an infected mammal. The most common animals which can pass on rabies are bats, cats, dogs and monkeys. Unless treated very early rabies is nearly always fatal.

Countries at risk: Rabies occurs worldwide with the exception of Antarctica. Low risk areas include North America, Australia, Europe and Japan with the rest of the world being medium to high risk.

The rabies vaccination consists of three doses over a minimum of 21 days. Once the first vaccination is completed the second vaccination is done 7 days later and the third dose 14 days after the second dose. If you do come into contact with an animal that has bitten or scratched you it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have not had any pre-exposure rabies vaccination then you must seek medical attention within 24 hours. If the three vaccinations were completed before travel then it is still vital to seek medical attention however it gives you an extra 24 hours to get to hospital and you only require two extra vaccinations compared to five vaccinations plus a blood transfusion if no vaccinations were completed beforehand.

Shingles is an infection caused by the Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. Chickenpox is very common as a child and once the infection has gone it remains dormant in the body with your immune system keeping the virus in check. A reactivation of this virus can occur in some instances which then leads to shingles.

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) has been proven to reduce the chances of getting shingles by more than 50%. If shingles still develop after the vaccine it is thought the condition is milder and last for a much shorter time than usual. The shingles vaccine currently does not require a booster and therefore it is thought that vaccination against shingles will last a lifetime.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection which occurs when a puncture wound becomes contaminated. The bacteria that can cause tetanus are mainly found in soil, house dust and animal & human waste such as manure. Once entered into the body via a wound or serious burn the bacteria multiplies and produces a neurotoxin which disrupts the body’s nervous system.

Countries at risk: The bacteria can be found worldwide however a majority of tetanus cases occurs in countries where there is not a suitable vaccination programme such as China, India, Africa and in certain South American countries.

Tick Borne Encephalitis

Tick Borne Encephalitis is a viral infection that is spread via the bites of ticks. The disease can cause inflammation of the brain which can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Countries at risk: Tick Borne Encephalitis is predominantly found in rural areas of Central, Northern & Eastern Europe. It is also found in parts of Russia and East Asia.

The vaccination consists of three doses with the second dose given a month after the first and the third dose given five to twelve months after the second. An accelerated schedule can be given to individuals that need it, with the second dose given two weeks after the first which covers individuals for their upcoming trip. The third dose can then be given five to twelve months after the second.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that is spread via contaminated food and water. It is a highly contagious disease that affects approximately 18 million cases a year with around 400,000 of these cases resulting in death.

Countries at risk: Due to the way in which the disease is spread, typhoid is mainly found in countries where sanitation levels are poor and there is a limited supply to clean water. The disease is widespread in much of the world including Africa, South East Asia, Central Asia and Central & South America.

Travellers travelling to at risk countries are advised to receive a typhoid vaccination. The vaccination can either be given orally (a course of 3 capsules) or an injection. The oral typhoid vaccination is approximately 80% the effectiveness of the injection and is advised for people who are unable to receive the injection. The typhoid injection is effective for up to 3 years.

Yellow Fever (coming soon)

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquitos. There is a vaccine to prevent Yellow fever and is a very rare cause of illness in travellers due to the success of the vaccine.

Countries at risk: Yellow fever occurs in parts of Africa and South America. In many of these countries and surrounding countries you will be asked to provide proof of a Yellow fever vaccination in the form of a certificate.

The vaccine takes about 10 days for a full optimum protection and therefore the yellow fever certificate takes 10 days to come into effect once the vaccination is completed. It is therefore vital to leave enough time before travel to get the vaccination done. Most countries with a risk of yellow fever and surrounding countries will ask to see yellow fever vaccination before entry into the country. Failure to provide a valid yellow fever certificate may lead to a traveller being quarantined, immunized or denied entry.

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Lewis Pharmacy community

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• Alcohol screening and intervention service
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Pharmacy Services (Non-NHS)

• Chlamydia screening and treatment (paid-for)
• Emergency contraception (paid-for)
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• Seasonal flu vaccination service: not at-risk groups (paid-for)
• Stop smoking service (paid-for)
• Travel clinic (paid for)
• Type 2 diabetes screening
• Vaccination service (paid for)
• Weight management (paid-for)

Address: Lewis Pharmacy, 70-72 EXETER ROAD, EXMOUTH, DEVON, EX8 1PY

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Where can I get my vaccination?

Posted on: 12 November 2021

One of the big differences with COVID-19 vaccinations now, compared to much earlier in the year, is where people can get them.

Where once they were only available through your GP or at your nearest mass vaccination centre, the options now are wider. In fact, there are more places delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including through pharmacies, GPs, schools and other community and pop-up sites, meaning almost every person lives within 10 miles of a vaccination clinic.

Appointments can be  booked online  or by calling 119, and walk-in vaccinations are also available at vaccination centres and at pop up sites.

Alongside that, many people are being invited to come forward for their annual flu jab as well, and they’re available by appointment at pharmacies and health centres. Some health centres are coordinating COVID-19 booster vaccinations and flu jabs together, for eligible people to get them both done at the same time.

However you choose, and whether you walk-in or book an appointment, the important thing is to take up your vaccinations when they are offered to you.

And please look out for family members and friends who may not have transport, or require help in getting to their vaccination.

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Travel medicine

When you’re traveling abroad, you want every aspect of your trip to go well. Unfortunately, each year as many as 25 percent of Americans who travel abroad experience some type of illness during their trip. On a typical two-week trip, travelers can lose an average of three days because of illness.

The Edward-Elmhurst Health travel medicine specialists can help you take proactive steps to stay healthy and make most of your experience. Contact our travel medicine specialists at least six weeks before your departure , and we’ll customize a plan that prepares you for every place on your itinerary.

What to expect at the travel medicine clinic

When you visit our travel medicine clinic, you’ll consult with one of our specialists about your trip. The discussion will cover:

• All the places you’re visiting, the purpose and timing of your travels, and how long you plan to stay
• Activities you’re planning on your trip, such as mountain climbing or mission work
• Your vaccination and medical history, including allergies
• Your current medications

Travel medicine tailored to your needs

Based on your consultation, we will recommend the appropriate vaccines and prescriptions for your trip. Recommendations will be customized to your unique needs. For example, you may need medication to limit altitude sickness during a climbing expedition. You’ll also learn how to plan for water and food safety, protect yourself from disease-carrying mosquitoes, and deal with traveler’s diarrhea and other common ailments.

We carefully consider the risks and benefits of vaccines and medicines and, in some cases, provide an explanatory waiver rather than a vaccination. This document explains the decision not to give a vaccine, typically due to a person's age, medical condition or current medications.

Vaccines and immunizations

The Edward-Elmhurst travel medicine clinic offers the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Yellow Fever*

*CDC Certified Yellow Fever Immunization site.

Certain vaccinations may require more than one dose and/or a follow-up consultation.

Make an appointment six weeks in advance

Travel medicine consultations must be scheduled in advance. A 4-6 week lead time is strongly recommended for most vaccinations, as there may be a waiting period before the vaccine becomes effective. Payment is due at the time of service. Most insurance companies do not reimburse for this service.

Services offered at:

Edward Hospital Campus 100 Spalding, Suite 212 Naperville, IL 60540

To schedule an appointment, call 630-527-7299 .

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News Exmouth GP Practices provide drive-through flu vaccination service

When this content has been created.

29 September 2020

GP Practices come together to provide a large scale drive-through flu vaccination service with the help of East Devon District Council

Four of Exmouth’s GP Practices are working together with East Devon District Council to provide a drive-through flu vaccination service at Maer Road car park, this autumn. This Exmouth seafront car park will be the location for the largest scale flu jab session the area has seen – providing a safe, socially distanced and convenient vaccination service for a large proportion of local people during the weekends of 10th-11th and 17th-18th October – with a further weekend planned from 13th November.

Patients from Claremont Medical Practice, Imperial Surgery, Haldon House Surgery and Raleigh Surgery who are eligible for the free flu jab will be invited to a series of clinic dates to receive their free vaccination.

In order to address the Covid-19 requirements for social distancing, arrangements for flu clinics in all GP Practices are very different this year. To ensure that all patients, regardless of their underlying risk, can safely attend for the flu-jab, these four Practices took the decision to join forces in this exciting venture.

Dr Barry Coakley, GP Partner at Claremont Medical Practice and Clinical Director of the local Primary Care Network , said:

We are very excited to be able to deliver this drive-through option for all of our patients, offering a very high level of patient safety with maximal social distancing. The flu vaccination provides the best protection against an illness which infects many people each year and can lead to serious illness and death. We know that, with the presence of COVID-19 in the community, for those over 65 and people in at-risk groups, such as diabetes or breathing and heart conditions, staying well this winter has never been more important. This is the first time local Practices have worked together to provide such a large-scale vaccination service off-site and we are very grateful to East Devon District Council for their support in planning this project and also for providing the site free-of-charge. This large space allows for social distancing in a well-ventilated area. Our patients can remain safely in their vehicles to receive their flu jab while our Practice teams will have a large marquee in place to shelter them, whatever the weather. This event is a real community effort. We would like to thank volunteers from Tri-Hards and Exmouth Running Belles, who have offered their time to be our friendly marshals, maintaining the traffic flow. Huge thanks also to Budleigh Hub, who have provided a mini-bus offering a lift those who do not have access to transport.

Patients from these four GP Practices, who have been identified as being eligible for the free flu jab, will have received an invitation letter directly from their surgery. This letter contains full details on how to book an appointment, how to access the site and a reminder to bring your “ticket” letter with you on the day.

Dr Coakley added:

If you are invited to attend for a flu jab and you book an appointment, it’s very important that you bring your invite letter with you on the day as it is your ticket for the vaccination. In order to maintain a good flow of patients, we will have to run a “No ticket, no vaccination” policy. Your cooperation will help us keep the queues moving quickly and effectively.

It is anticipated that there will be a big increase in the number of patients having their flu jabs this autumn. It is more important than ever that people with health conditions that make them most vulnerable are vaccinated. Not only are they most at-risk of developing complications from flu, but the same people are most likely to suffer harm from contracting COVID-19.

Dr Coakley went on to say,

This is yet another example of how the Exmouth community has come together in the face of Covid-19. This never-before-seen at-scale vaccination service demonstrates the collective will of local Practices to provide safe and effective services for all patients. This type of vaccination program could act as a blueprint for future Covid vaccinations, when the time comes.

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council , said:

Our council is very pleased to be able to provide the space at Maer Road to support the health and wellbeing of our local population through this vital work.  I would personally urge as many people as possible to ensure they receive this vaccination. This applies both to people like me in the protected category and to the wider local population.

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Think Travel Vaccine Guide

As a health care provider, be sure to prepare your globe-trotting patients for travel by providing a quick pretravel risk assessment, consultation, and care. THINK TRAVEL:

• Ask your patients if they plan on any international travel .
• Make sure they are up- to- date on all routine vaccines before their trip.
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal diseases

For destination-specific vaccine recommendations, search CDC’s Destination pages.

Think about...

*Travelers may also need routine (non-travel) vaccines or boosters before travel including influenza; measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); tetanus (Td or Tdap); varicella; pneumococcus; and polio. Check CDC’s Destination Pages for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

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Advertisement

Struggling with rising cases and low vaccination rates, Moscow announces a lockdown.

Like many countries, Russia has seesawed between tighter and looser pandemic restrictions. As the coronavirus claims more victims, the pendulum is now swinging toward tightening.

• Share full article

By Andrew E. Kramer

• Oct. 21, 2021

MOSCOW — Schools, shops and restaurants in the city of Moscow will close next week, municipal officials said, in one of the tightest lockdowns in the Russian capital since the pandemic began, a measure made necessary by low vaccination rates.

Russia’s coronavirus response, like that of many other countries, has seesawed between strict controls and lax enforcement of mask-wearing and vaccination rules. Russia pivoted again this week toward tighter lockdowns as reports of new cases and Covid-19 deaths climbed.

Reported cases are up 33 percent over the last two weeks, reaching more than 32,400, according to a New York Times database . And on average over the past week, 983 people a day died from the coronavirus ; on some days that number exceeded 1,000. Only Russian-made coronavirus vaccines are available in the country, and many people are hesitant to get them. Russia’s vaccination rate of 33 percent of the population is lower than the global average of 37 percent and far behind the rates in most of Europe.

To combat the surge in cases and deaths, President Vladimir V. Putin on Wednesday declared a countrywide “nonworking” week from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7 , extending a regular fall holiday by several days. The restrictions the city of Moscow announced on Thursday were even stricter.

Mayor Sergey Sobyanin ordered schools and nonessential businesses to close two days sooner, starting on Oct. 28. He said in a statement posted online that the spread of the virus had gone “by the worst scenario” and that Moscow would soon be setting daily records for new cases.

Early in the pandemic, Moscow locked down more strictly than many Western countries did. Residents were prohibited from leaving their apartments other than to shop at grocery stores or pharmacies, attend medical appointments or walk their dogs.

The city also lifted many restrictions this year before other European countries did on a wide scale, a move that became a point of pride. Mr. Putin contrasted Moscow’s bustling restaurants with the continuing lockdowns abroad.

Over the summer, Moscow imposed, but then dropped, a requirement that patrons be vaccinated to eat in some restaurants or to visit bars. Enforcement of mask-wearing rules in Russia is generally lax.

Andrew E. Kramer is a reporter based in the Moscow bureau. He was part of a team that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting for a series on Russia’s covert projection of power. More about Andrew E. Kramer

Exmouth's flu vaccination drive-through set to open tomorrow

It will operate for two weeks in October and another in November

• 15:07, 9 OCT 2020

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A flu vaccination 'pop-up' drive-through centre has been set up in Exmouth with jabs to be on offer from tomorrow.

Maer Road car park is the location for the largest scale flu jab session the area has seen and will operating during the next two weekends (October 10-11 and 17-18) with a further weekend planned in November.

Four of Exmouth’s GP practices - Claremont Medical Practice, Imperial Surgery, Haldon House Surgery and Raleigh Surgery - are working together with East Devon District Council (EDDC) to provide the service.

Patients from the surgeries listed are eligible for the free flu jab will be invited to a series of clinic dates to receive their free vaccination.

To ensure that all patients, regardless of their underlying risk, can safely attend for the flu-jab, these four practices took the decision to join forces in this exciting venture.

Dr Barry Coakley, GP Partner at Claremont Medical Practice and Clinical Director of the local Primary Care Network, said: ''We are very excited to be able to deliver this drive-through option for all of our patients, offering a very high level of patient safety with maximal social distancing.

''The flu vaccination provides the best protection against an illness which infects many people each year and can lead to serious illness and death.

Stay in the know

''We know that, with the presence of COVID-19 in the community, for those over 65 and people in at-risk groups, such as diabetes or breathing and heart conditions, staying well this winter has never been more important.

''This is the first time local Practices have worked together to provide such a large-scale vaccination service off-site and we are very grateful to East Devon District Council for their support in planning this project and also for providing the site free-of-charge.

''This large space allows for social distancing in a well-ventilated area. Our patients can remain safely in their vehicles to receive their flu jab while our Practice teams will have a large marquee in place to shelter them, whatever the weather.''

Councillor Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, said: ''Our council is very pleased to be able to provide the space at Maer Road to support the health and wellbeing of our local population through this vital work.

''I would personally urge as many people as possible to ensure they receive this vaccination. This applies both to people like me in the protected category and to the wider local population.''

Dr Coakley added: ''If you are invited to attend for a flu jab and you book an appointment, it’s very important that you bring your invite letter with you on the day as it is your ticket for the vaccination. In order to maintain a good flow of patients, we will have to run a “No ticket, no vaccination” policy.

''Your cooperation will help us keep the queues moving quickly and effectively.

''This is yet another example of how the Exmouth community has come together in the face of COVID-19.

''This never-before-seen at-scale vaccination service demonstrates the collective will of local Practices to provide safe and effective services for all patients.

''This type of vaccination program could act as a blueprint for future COVID vaccinations, when the time comes.''

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