Teenagers and young adults are always welcome at our practice. You can be sure that anything you discuss with any member of the practice from receptionist to doctor will always remain confidential.

• Childline: 0800 1111
• Samaritans: 0131 221 9999
• Healthy Respect: 0800 28 29 30

Whilst we realise this is a Scottish website, there is lots of useful information.

Chlamydia Screening

Most people infected with Chlamydia do not have any symptoms; they feel and look perfectly well.  It is very common, affecting around 1 in 10 young men and women; particularly women between the ages of 16–19 and men aged 19–24. The surgery offers chlamydia screening to all patients under the age of 25 free screening kits.  Alternatively you can collect a free kit from a local pharmacy or GUM clinic and do the test in private at home.

For more information and advice you can also contact the Chlamydia Screening Dorset Service here.

Contraception Services

All of our GPs are able offer contraceptive advice.  Alternatively you can visit the contraception and sexual health clinic.  They will be able to offer you advice on the many different forms of contraception.

• Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic, 20 Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TU Tel: 03003 031948
• Park Centre for Sexual Health, Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TB Tel: 01305 762682

Emergency Contraception

If you think you may require emergency contraception (morning after pill), it is best taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, although it is still effective up to 72 hours after, please make an urgent appointment to see a GP.  Alternatively the morning after pill can be purchased from some pharmacies.

Further useful information can be found on the family planning association website.

HPV Vaccination

In October 2007 the Department of Health launched vaccination programme targeting girls between the age of 12 and 18 years of age. The vaccine was started to protect against certain types of the common virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that cause most cases of cervical cancer.

Having the Vaccination

The vaccination is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh.  3 separate doses will be given over a period of 6 months.  Like most injections the side effects of the vaccination are often quite mild.  There may be some stinging or soreness in the arm, but this will wear off after a couple of days.  More serious side effects are extremely rare.  The vaccine has undergone rigorous safety testing required before it can be used in the UK.

The vaccine is recommended for girls in year 8 at school (aged12-13) and all girls born on or after 1st September 1990 will be offered it in the catch up programme either at school or they will be called by the surgery.

Taking a Gap Year

If you are planning to go backpacking or take a gap year to travel it is important that you plan as far ahead as possible. You may also require additional vaccinations. 

For lots more advice on backpacking and gap years click here, this website offers advice on travel health, vaccinations, malaria protection, Visa’s, insurance and lots more about how to plan your trip.

Vaccinations & Travel Advice

When travelling abroad it is often necessary to have travel vaccinations prior to departure.  We offer a full vaccination service with our practice nurses.

Before you book an appointment with the practice nurse you will need to complete our travel risk assessment questionnaire (available from reception or see the travel health page), this provides the nurse with your travel itinerary which she will require in order to decide what vaccines you may need.

Please allow at least eight weeks before you travel to allow sufficient time for any course of immunisations to be completed.

Please note that not all vaccinations are covered by the NHS and a fee may be incurred. 

Useful Websites

Other useful websites that offer information about travelling are:

• Fit For Travel  - latest information and malarial advice
• Department of Health
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Malaria Hotspots

Teenage Booster Immunisations

Between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age young people are offered the opportunity to have a tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccination booster. In total, you need five doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine to build up and maintain your immunity against the diseases. The first three doses are given when you are a baby, the fourth dose is then give around 3 years and 4 months old and then the teenage booster offered at 13 years is the fifth and final dose.  You should not require any further doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine in your lifetime if you have had all five doses, except in rare circumstances, such as after a bone marrow transplant.

The practice nurse will be able to check if you have completed all five doses and will be able to advise you accordingly if you will require any further vaccinations in the future.