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Travel Vaccinations
What are Travel Vaccinations?
Travel vaccinations are immunisations that help protect against infectious diseases that may be more common or severe in certain parts of the world. These vaccines prepare your immune system to fight specific bacteria or viruses you may encounter while travelling.
Some vaccines are required for entry into certain countries, while others are strongly recommended for your safety.
Who Needs Travel Vaccinations?
Almost everyone travelling internationally should consider travel vaccinations. The type of vaccines needed depends on your:
- Destination: Countries in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands may have higher risks of certain diseases.
- Travel style: Backpackers, long-stay travellers, and those visiting rural areas may be at higher risk.
- Activities: Working in healthcare, visiting friends or relatives, or engaging in adventure travel increases your exposure risk.
- Personal health: Pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, or those with lowered immunity may need special precautions.
Certain vaccinations may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for individuals who have certain medical conditions or allergies. So, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before planning a trip to get personalised advice and recommendations.
Benefits of Travel Vaccinations
Travel vaccinations can provide various benefits, including
- Protection against disease: Travel vaccinations can protect individuals from serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases that are common in certain destinations.
- Preventing outbreaks: By getting vaccinated, travellers can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the communities they visit. This can help protect local populations and prevent outbreaks of disease.
- Peace of mind: Travel vaccinations can provide peace for individuals and their families, knowing they are taking steps to protect themselves and others from potential health risks while travelling.
- Cost-effective: Vaccination is a cost-effective way to prevent disease, as it is generally less expensive than treating an illness once it occurs.
- Avoiding travel restrictions and quarantine: Certain countries may require proof of vaccination as a condition for entry, and getting vaccinated can help travellers avoid quarantine or other travel restrictions.
- Ease of access to medical care: Being vaccinated can make it easier to access medical care in the event of an illness, as healthcare providers can quickly identify the cause of the illness and provide appropriate treatment.
- Compliance with legal requirements: Certain vaccinations are mandatory in some countries, and failure to obtain them can result in fines or the inability to enter the country.
Not all vaccinations are mandatory, and it's always advisable to check with the authorities of your destination country for the most up-to-date information.
Types of Travel Vaccinations
There are several types of travel vaccines, which may vary depending on where you're travelling, your planned activities, and your health background.
Routine Vaccinations (General Immunisation Updates)
These are vaccines typically given in childhood and adulthood in Australia. Before travel, it's important to ensure these are up to date:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
Recommended Travel Vaccinations
These are advised based on your travel destination:
- Hepatitis A: Common in areas with poor sanitation or unsafe food/water.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through blood or sexual contact; higher risk with medical procedures or extended stays.
- Typhoid: Spread through contaminated food or water; common in South Asia, parts of Africa, and Latin America.
- Cholera: Recommended in areas with ongoing outbreaks and poor sanitation.
- Japanese Encephalitis: A mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Asia and the Pacific.
- Rabies: For travellers visiting rural areas or working with animals.
Required Travel Vaccinations
These are mandatory for entry into certain countries:
- Yellow Fever: Required for entry into some countries in Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination (a yellow card) is often necessary.
- Meningococcal ACWY: Required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Special Situational Vaccinations
Based on your travel plans, health, or lifestyle factors:
- Malaria prevention tablets (not a vaccine but often discussed during pre-travel consultations)
- Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine (for travellers to parts of Europe and Asia, particularly outdoor travellers)
- Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in specific, high-risk destinations
Tips When Considering Travel Vaccinations
- Plan early: Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months. It's best to visit a doctor or travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
- Consult a travel medicine expert: General practitioners (GPs) and travel health clinics can tailor a plan specifically to your needs and destination.
- Keep your records: Carry a vaccination card or certificate, especially for yellow fever.
- Include your entire family: Children, elderly adults, and individuals with chronic conditions should receive appropriate vaccinations before travel.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations for common and preventable diseases are both a current and future investment, given the longevity of modern vaccines.
Mandatory Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccination is the only vaccination mandated by the International Health Regulations as a requirement of entry to countries with potential Yellow Fever disease.
Special Purpose Vaccinations
Some countries may occasionally require additional vaccinations for specific purposes.
- Travel to many areas requires proper insect protection and sometimes malaria tablets.
- Travel to altitude requires advice and sometimes medication that diminishes the effects of altitude illnesses.
- Travel to Saudi Arabia mandates vaccinations for attendance at the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
A typical example is travelling to South America to visit Machu Picchu, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls and Central America.
This requires advice and prescription for the Yellow Fever vaccine, altitude illness, mosquito-spread infections such as Zika or Dengue and Malaria prevention.
For updates and travel recommendations, visit
| Immunise Against | Required Dosage |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | 0, 1, 6 months (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) |
| Hepatitis A&B Combination | 0, 1, 6 months (accelerated 0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) |
| Hepatitis A booster | 1, 6-36 months |
| Typhoid | Single dose, booster every 3 years |
| Polio | Single booster dose 10 yearly |
| Polio, Tetanus & Diphtheria | Single booster 10 yearly |
| Rabies | 0, 7 & 28 days (accelerated 21) & 2 yearly boosters or blood test |
| Japanese Encephalitis | 0 & 28 days (accelerated 0, 7, 14 days, 1-3 months) |
| Yellow Fever | Single dose provides lifelong protection |
| Meningitis ACWY (Hajj Meningitis Vaccine) | Single dose 3-5 yearly |
Additional fees may be charged for certain immunisations and vaccinations that are not covered by Medicare.
Travel Medicine Appointments
Most travellers will require a Standard Travel Appointment.
The doctor may need to order blood tests or review past immunisation records to recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule.
Please bring all and any past vaccination records that you have had. Knowing exactly what vaccinations you have had can prevent unnecessary revaccinations.
Travel consultations vary in complexity, and so does the time required for consultation. Therefore, when making an appointment, it is best to specify that it is for Travel Health.
