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Eight million British tourists ‘at risk’
Up to eight million British tourists ill-prepared for their holidays and at risk of contracting serious but preventable tropical diseases, it has been claimed.
This is because increasing numbers of GP surgeries are opting out of providing vaccination and immunisation services.
It is estimated that 38% have opted out of providing vaccinations and immunisations for people travelling to regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, central and South America. For many doctors the increase in demand for vaccinations against tropical diseases is placing too big a burden on surgery budgets, it is claimed.
Dr Leslie Hawkins, director of the Robens Vaccination Clinic, which conducted the research, said: “With increasing pressure on GPs, many are deciding they just don’t have the time or money to be able to offer vaccination and immunisation services effectively any more.
“Travel health medicine is about disease prevention and health promotion, this cannot be covered in the usual 5 –10 minute practice nurse consultation. To set up a dedicated health clinic to effectively meet the needs of travellers can be a significant cost to GP practices.”
He added: “But the concern is that many holidaymakers do too little, too late, only relying on a visit to their GP just weeks before their holiday for travel health advice and jabs.
“With more GPs opting out, holidaymakers may be left with insufficient time to be properly protected when they travel abroad. Holidaymakers must seek advice early from a travel health professional, ideally at least eight weeks in advance, as vaccinations can take time to be effective.
“The importance of taking specialist travel health advice should not be underestimated. It’s not just about administering the vaccination, many GPs don’t have the time required to find out where people are going, where exactly they will be staying, how long they plan to be there and what medication they might be on.”
Report by Phil Davies
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