You do not need a GP referral for travel vaccinations. How the private pharmacist-led appointment works in Chislehurst, which jabs the NHS covers, and what you pay for.
A lot of people still assume travel jabs have to go through their GP surgery, and then give up when the first appointment offered is weeks away. You do not need a referral. A private travel clinic like ours is a direct route: you book, you are seen, and in most cases you are vaccinated at the same visit.
This is the part most people are unclear on, so here it is plainly. Some travel vaccines are available on the NHS at GP surgeries, and others are not available free at all. Availability can vary between surgeries and depends on your reason for travel.
| Vaccine | Usually available free on the NHS? |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Often yes, at GP surgeries |
| Typhoid | Often yes, at GP surgeries |
| Diphtheria, tetanus, polio | Often yes, at GP surgeries |
| Hepatitis B | Sometimes, depending on circumstances |
| Rabies | No — private (£85 a dose with us) |
| Japanese encephalitis | No — private (£125 a dose with us) |
| Malaria tablets | No — private prescription |
Book online or by phone, choosing either of our Chislehurst branches. The consultation takes 20 to 30 minutes with a GPhC-registered pharmacist, who goes through your destinations, dates, activities, medical history and current medicines. You get a recommendation based on your actual trip rather than a generic country list. Where vaccines are suitable and in stock, they are given at that visit, malaria tablets are prescribed at the same time, and you leave with a record and the dates of any further doses.
Want a rough idea before you book? The checker takes under a minute.
Answer four quick questions and we will show the vaccines we would usually discuss for your trip. It is guidance only; your pharmacist confirms everything at your appointment. Nothing is stored.
We would rather be straight with you than win an appointment. If you have plenty of time before travelling and only need vaccines your surgery provides free, booking with them will cost you less. Private makes sense when you are short on time, when you need vaccines the NHS does not cover such as rabies or Japanese encephalitis, when you want everything handled in a single visit, or when your surgery cannot see you before you fly. And if your destination needs a yellow fever certificate, you will need a NaTHNaC-designated Yellow Fever Centre, which we are not.
No. Private travel vaccination is pharmacist-led and you book directly. No referral, letter or permission from your surgery is required.
No. You do not need to be an existing patient or have your NHS prescriptions with us. Anyone can book the travel clinic.
We give you a written record of everything you have had, which you can pass to your surgery so your notes stay complete.
Yes, privately. People often do when their surgery cannot fit them in before departure. You would be paying for something potentially available free, so we will always tell you if waiting for your GP is the sensible option.
Booking is better for travel consultations, because they take 20 to 30 minutes and need a prescriber available. Call ahead and we will usually find you something the same day or the next.
Sources: NHS travel vaccinations · NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro. Which vaccines a GP surgery provides free can vary; check with your own surgery. Prices correct at the time of writing and confirmed at your consultation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your consultation at either Chislehurst Pharmacy Group location. Same-day and next-day appointments usually available.
