Supply problem re travel vaccinations?

katejo

I went to my GP surgery this morning to request vaccinations for a 1 week trip to Turkey in 6 weeks and was told that there was a supply problem. I could either wait 3-4 weeks or go private and pay. Has anyone else been told the same (London area)? Am wondering if I really need them as I was in Turkey 5 years ago and had them then. Only going for a week to the coast.

Pollycat

What vaccinations are you talking about?

Supply problem with which vaccination?

The website my practice nurse uses for advice is Fitfortravel.
This is what it says about Turkey:

Immunisations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid.
• No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Hepatitis A: spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.
• Hepatitis B: spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad.
• Rabies: spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite.
• Tetanus: spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid: spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

I understand from a travel website that there has been a shortage of typhoid vac, some people have taken the oral version.


ETA:
I think typhoid vac lasts for 3 years so if you had it 5 years ago, you won't still be covered.

katejo

Pollycat wrote: »

What vaccinations are you talking about?

Supply problem with which vaccination?

The website my practice nurse uses for advice is Fitfortravel.
This is what it says about Turkey:
I understand from a travel website that there has been a shortage of typhoid vac, some people have taken the oral version.


ETA:
I think typhoid vac lasts for 3 years so if you had it 5 years ago, you won't still be covered.

They particularly mentioned a problem with typhoid but they are not offering any vaccinations at the moment.

Pollycat

As none of the vaccinations are compulsory, I guess it's your decision whether you want to wait and see if things have changed in a few weeks, pay for the vaccinations or don't have them.

The bit I copied from FFT explains how you could possibly contract the diseases and the risks involved.

I know what I'd do.

jhe

they have had problems with a typhoid vaccination shortage since 2012 that i know of.
i personally didnt have any for turkey went to Marmaris , but needed full vaccinations for caribbean as i was travelling off the beaten track so my GP did manage to source the typhoid for me.
OH got full vaccinations 3 month ago free from GP but was not offered typhoid

katejo

Pollycat wrote: »

As none of the vaccinations are compulsory, I guess it's your decision whether you want to wait and see if things have changed in a few weeks, pay for the vaccinations or don't have them.

The bit I copied from FFT explains how you could possibly contract the diseases and the risks involved.

I know what I'd do.

MY GP practice has now told me that they have discontinued the travel vaccination service completely so I will have to pay to have it done privately