Measles Outbreak

Measles is an extremely contagious disease.  The MMR vaccination provides immunity for this.  We will be offering a catch up session on Saturday 14th July 2018, along with some other options for patients to get this essential protection.

If you think you, or a family member, have been infected by measles, please DO NOT COME IN TO THE SURGERY.  Please telephone the practice in the first instance.  You will initially be booked to speak with a GP and then will be invited in to the surgery at a specified time.  Don’t be offended if we ask you to wait in your car and come and collect you from there!  As this disease is so infectious, it is possible to contract it in as little as 15 minutes in an area with an infected person.  We want to keep our other patients safe, especially given that some patients have suppressed immunity and we want to protect them, as well as you.  Please give the reception team as much information as you can when you call so that we have the best chance of identifying whether there is an infection risk before attending the surgery.

You can find really useful information on the NHS website here:- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/symptoms/

Please ensure your child receives the MMR vaccine

Aside from being protected against measles, it protects you from Rubella (German Measles) and from Mumps (Mumps is the leading cause of viral meningitis).

In order to eradicate Measles, herd immunity is required.  This means that 93-95% of the population need to be immunised. Immunisation rates have fallen below this threshold and this is why Measles has begun to spread.

Travel vaccinations

You should also arrange adequate medical insurance and if you are visiting an EU country you will need a “European Health Insurance Card” which is available from the Health Service Executive. Details can be found by clicking here.

Points to note:

• Personal hygiene is essential.
• Take a small first aid kit.
• Beware bites from insects and animals. Many diseases are insect-borne and rabies is widespread.
• Be careful with raw vegetables, salads, fruit, shellfish and ice cubes.
• Respect the power of the sun and use sun creams regularly.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS) are a major health threat throughout the world; condoms offer some protection.
• If you take anti-malarial tablets, follow the manufacturer's instructions: e.g. “Start one week before departure and continue for four weeks after your return”.

Travel vaccinations are not covered under the NHS.

If you are travelling very soon and need vaccinations urgently, these can be done privately through the Bristol Travel Clinic on 0330 100 4141. Please note there are other travel clinics available.

Fit for Travel – www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Lonely Planet – www.lonelyplanet.com
UK travel health site – www.travelhealth.co.uk
Department of Health – www.open.gov.uk/doh/hat/index.htm
Foreign and Commonwealth Office – www.fco.gov.uk/travel

You can also get up-to-date travel vaccination information from NHS 111 at any time on 111

Improved Access

We are working together with other local practices to offer patients access to more appointments in the early mornings, evenings and weekends. To find out more about these services, please contact the practice.