Patients who turn 65 between 1.9.23 and 31.8.24 are eligible for shingles vaccination after their 65th birthday
 
Patients who were 65 before 1.9.23 are eligible for shingles vaccination after their 70th birthday
 
Patients aged over 70 remain eligible until their 80th birthday
 
Patients who have a severely weakened immune system are eligible from their 50th birthday
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As a practice we are always looking to improve our processes for patients so they can continue to have repeat prescriptions generated promptly without undue delay. Following a review of our email ordering system it is apparent that it is inefficient. This leads to delays in processing repeat requests. For this reason, we are asking patients to switch to ordering their repeat medication via the NHS app which offers many advantages.  
www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/about-the-nhs-app/ 

The NHS app allows you to access a range of NHS services including repeat prescription ordering and can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet. You can also check if repeat prescriptions have been approved and sent to your usual pharmacy. For those patients without a smartphone or tablet you can also access the same services in a web browser here. 
www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account/ 

From 1st January 2024 we will no longer be accepting emails to request routine repeat medication. Urgent requests or prescribing queries can be made via our online form Klinik that can be accessed via our St Austell Healthcare webpage. 

Thank you
The Prescribing Team

St Austell Healthcare are unable to prescribe benzodiazepines (like diazepam) to patients dealing with fear of flying. Many other GP practices share a similar approach.

• Benzodiazepines are sedative medications that raise safety concerns.

         - If these drugs make you drowsy, your reflexes might slow down, hindering your ability to respond promptly during a flight emergency.
        - Drowsiness can lead to reduced movement and prolonged sitting, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in the legs or even lungs, 
          with potentially severe or deadly outcomes.

• These medications can cause respiratory depression, slowing down breathing, which becomes risky due to the already lowered oxygen levels at high altitudes.
  

• There's a chance that benzodiazepines can induce agitation and confusion, posing risks to fellow passengers.
  

• In the UK, these drugs are controlled and regulated, necessitating safe prescription practices:
  

       - The use of benzodiazepines for treating phobias (such as fear of flying) is contraindicated, meaning it's not allowed. This advice is in line with the
          British National Formulary (BNF), a manual providing drug information.
       - They are only meant for severe or incapacitating anxiety, and we would not recommend flying in this situation.

• It's important to note that benzodiazepines are illegal in some countries, meaning taking them abroad could lead to legal consequences.
  

• Combining these drugs with alcohol, which might be accessible before or during a flight, is not advisable.
  

 
We understand that patients may genuinely experience fear of flying. Some major UK-based airlines offer "Fear of Flying" programs that you might want to explore.

We appreciate your understanding regarding this matter.