THE NHS in the Isle of Man is to stop funding a number of vaccines for travellers.
The cost cutting move will save the NHS £70,000 a year, Health Minister David Anderson has said.
From December 1 holidaymakers will have to pay privately for the following vaccines: Typhoid, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B and
Hepatitis A/Typhoid.
Patients will still be able to make arrangements with their doctor to receive the vaccines - but only on a private basis.
On top of the cost of the charge of the vaccine they may be charged a fee by their GP.
Patients who have already started courses of treatment before December 1 will be able to continue with their vaccinations as part of the NHS until their course of treatment has been completed.
For example, if a person requires a course of two vaccinations and has received the first free through the NHS they will receive the second free of charge to complete the course.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "As we continue to prioritise spending and scrutinise all of our costs, a potential annual saving of around £70,000 was identified.
"Whilst it is regrettable that we are withdrawing NHS funding for travel vaccines, they will still be available through GPs across the Island, but there will now be a modest charge.
"It is incumbent upon me to ensure that we spend every penny wisely and for the benefit of as many people in our community as possible and I feel that this is the right decision to make."
The Department of Health's Public Health Directorate has been consulted and advice on pre-travel vaccination has not changed.
Those who want more information should contact their GP or Practice Nurse.
Tablets for malaria prophylaxis will continue to be provided on private prescriptions and GPs may charge a fee.
What do you think of this decision? Should vaccines for travellers remain free on the NHS or has Mr Anderson made the right decision considering government needs to watch its spending?
Send your views to us using the comment box below
