Query over travel vaccinations

AudlemOnline received the following Chatbox query from MrsT which we put to Audlem Medical Practice:

"Hi I was just wondering if any one can tell me if they have been refused a holiday vaccination which is free on the NHS, at the Audlem Medical Practice, with an explanation of it is unfortunately due to resources even though it WAS advertised as a service on the Medical Practice's own website at the time of enquiry?

"The two other local surgery's Nantwich and Wrenbury offer free vaccinations that are covered by the NHS, for some reason as an Audlem resident we are penalised. However we are offered a service, that would mean travelling to Chester or Liverpool with a cost of around £50 for the vaccination and additional travel costs. I have heard of a few people with the same gripe.

"Looks like good old rural Audlem gets the rough end of the stick once again!"

This is the response from Audlem Medical Practice:

"The travel vaccination service had been causing some confusion and annoyance to patients as what was available on the NHS was unclear. This was evidenced by a couple of formal complaints and comments made to receptionists.

"We sought advice from the British Medical Association who informed us that providing the travel service was optional. In view of this and the fact that it was causing increased workload and generating bad feeling we decided to withdraw the service.

"We have since had feedback that this was unpopular and we recognise that this is an important local service and not available easily elsewhere. As a result we have revisited the formal contract arrangements for travel immunisation services. It appears that the guidance that we received initially was not correct.

"Several of the commonly required vaccinations are available on the NHS for other indications but this means that they should also be provided for travel.

"The private vaccines that incur a cost and are not covered by the NHS are as follows:

• Japanese Encephalitis x 3 doses
• Tick Encephalitis x 3 doses
• Rabies x 3 doses
• Hepatitis B x 3 doses including blood test
• Meningitis AWC x 1 dose

"The vaccines that are covered by the NHS and therefore do not incur a charge are as follows:

• Hepatitis A
• Combined hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Combined hepatitis A and typhoid
• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio
• Cholera

"Our intention is to review our practice policy in this light and to reinstate this service for the NHS vaccines. Once the policy is rewritten in full it will be available on our website or on request from reception.

"We apologise for any confusion or inconvenience this has caused."

The Partners Audlem Medical Practice.

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