Travel clinics will be rolled out in 120 LloydsPharmacy stores across the UK in the next 12 months following a successful pilot.

McKesson UK, LloydsPharmacy’s parent company, said a “specialist travel nurse” will talk to a patient over the phone about their medical history, where they are travelling and what they are planning to do there before giving them what McKesson described as “a tailored travel plan” including advice on any vaccinations they need.

Depending on that discussion, patients can pick up their vaccination from a local LloydsPharmacy store or LloydsPharmacy in Sainsbury's. The service costs £20.

“People are now travelling further afield more frequently and realise how important it is for them and their family to be protected. Travel health is complex and constantly evolving so it is important to have the most up-to-date and accurate advice,” said Anna Ruthven, head of services at McKesson UK.

“Not all GPs offer a full travel service and even if they do, some people find it difficult to get an appointment at a time that is convenient for them.

“Our LloydsPharmacy service makes it easy to make the best use of time. The telephone consultation undertaken by a travel nurse takes under half an hour after which you receive a travel brief with appropriate advice on travel vaccines required and/or advised.

“You can then arrange to receive the vaccination at a LloydsPharmacy near where you live or work.”

McKesson said it can arrange a face-to-face talk with a nurse if a patient prefers.

Picture: Tracey Media (iStock)