Staff at Liverpool’s Well Travelled Clinic are encouraging those travelling to exotic locations this summer to come along for travel health advice before they depart. The clinic on Pembroke Place is offering a drop-in service every weekday morning where travellers can pop in for those all-important vaccinations, anti-malarial tablets, and travel advice.
Jane Rowles, Nurse Manager at the Well Travelled Clinic, said:
“It’s really important that people travelling to more exotic locations get the necessary vaccinations, malaria tablets and insect repellents before travelling. At the Well Travelled Clinic we’re trying to make that as easy as possible for people by offering a walk-in service. Travellers can just turn up to our Liverpool clinic between 8:45am and 11:30am, Monday to Friday, and one of our specialist staff will be on hand to give you all the travel advice and vaccinations that you need.”
While travellers can often get some vaccinations, such as Tetanus and Hepatitis A, for free at their local doctor’s surgery, Jane is keen to emphasise that the Well Travelled Clinic is the best option for those travelling further afield.
“Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Hepatitis B are often not available in GP surgeries and GPs often have limited availability for travel health services – you may need to visit a specialist centre like the Well Travelled Clinic. Our nurses are travel health specialists and will be able to give you expert advice about the protection you need plus any specific risks you should know about. We also offer everything from bed nets to malaria tablets so really are a one stop shop.”
People who prefer to make an appointment are still very welcome at both the Liverpool and Chester sites where a range of daytime, evening and weekend slots are available. However, only the Liverpool clinic is seeing walk-ups. Travellers are advised to visit the clinic at least 2-3 weeks before travelling when possible, as some vaccinations need time to become effective, but it is worth being seen even if you are a last-minute traveller
What is the message for those who see vaccinations as just another expense?
“Around 1500 cases of malaria are reported each year from travellers returning to the UK. We want you to enjoy your holiday and be confident that the only things you’ll bring back from your trip are great memories. Plus, the profit from the clinic goes back into the important research work of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to try and reduce the impact of diseases such as malaria.”
So, whether it is a beach in Bali or a trek in Tibet, the message is clear – visit the Well Travelled Clinic before you travel. There’s more at www.welltravelledclinics.co.uk