Everything You Need to Know About Travel Vaccinations
Planning an overseas trip? Here’s why a pre-travel health check matters.
Planning a holiday or travelling overseas to visit family can be exciting. But before you pack your bags, it’s worth thinking about your health and whether you need any additional vaccinations.
Different destinations can expose travellers to different infectious diseases. Your vaccination needs depend on more than simply the country you’re visiting. Your itinerary, activities, length of stay, health, age and previous vaccinations can all influence the recommendations.
What Are Travel Vaccinations?
Travel vaccinations are vaccines that may be recommended to help protect you against diseases that you could be exposed to while travelling.
Some vaccines are part of Australia’s routine immunisation schedule, while others may be recommended depending on your destination and circumstances.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that international travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations and have an individual assessment of additional vaccination needs before travelling.
Why Do I Need Travel Vaccinations?
Some infectious diseases are more common in particular parts of the world than they are in Australia.
Travellers may also have increased exposure because of:
- Different food and water conditions
- Insect bites
- Close contact with local communities
- Rural or remote travel
- Certain occupational activities
- Adventure or outdoor activities
- Longer stays
- Visiting friends and relatives
Vaccination can be one part of a broader travel health plan.
Which Travel Vaccines Might I Need?
There is no single list of vaccines that applies to every traveller.
Depending on your destination and individual circumstances, your doctor may consider vaccines protecting against diseases such as:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Influenza
- Japanese encephalitis
- Rabies
- Meningococcal disease
- Yellow fever
- Polio
- Measles and other routinely preventable diseases
The Australian Immunisation Handbook specifically recommends assessing travel vaccines according to the traveller’s itinerary, activities and likely risk of exposure.
When Should I Get Travel Vaccinations?
Don’t leave your travel health planning until the last minute.
Ideally, arrange a pre-travel consultation well before departure. Some vaccines require more than one dose, and the timing between doses can vary.
Starting early gives your healthcare professional more time to review your vaccination history and create an appropriate plan.
Even if your departure is approaching, it can still be worthwhile speaking with your doctor. In some circumstances, accelerated vaccination schedules may be considered.
What Should I Tell My Doctor?
Before your appointment, have as much information about your trip as possible.
Your GP may want to know:
- Which countries you’re visiting
- Which cities or regions you’ll visit
- How long you’ll be away
- Whether you’ll be travelling to rural or remote areas
- Planned activities
- Accommodation arrangements
- Whether you’re visiting friends or relatives
- Your previous vaccination history
- Your current medications
- Any relevant medical conditions
- Whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
This information helps your doctor make a more appropriate risk assessment.
What About Children Travelling Overseas?
Children should also have their routine vaccinations reviewed before international travel.
Depending on the destination and circumstances, additional vaccinations or changes to the timing of routine vaccinations may sometimes be recommended.
If you’re travelling with children, discuss your itinerary with your GP well before departure.
What If I’ve Missed Some Vaccinations?
Don’t assume that you’re too late.
Your doctor can review your vaccination history and determine whether catch-up vaccination is appropriate.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides catch-up guidance to help people complete recommended vaccination schedules when doses have been missed.
Travel Vaccinations Are Only Part of Travel Health
Vaccination doesn’t protect against every health risk associated with international travel.
Depending on your destination, your GP may also discuss:
- Safe food and drinking water
- Mosquito and insect bite prevention
- Sun protection
- Traveller’s diarrhoea
- Malaria prevention where relevant
- Medication requirements
- Travel insurance
- Managing existing medical conditions
- Access to healthcare overseas
The Australian Immunisation Handbook notes that travel vaccination is only one part of a broader pre-travel medical consultation.
What If I Have a Medical Condition?
People with certain medical conditions or those taking immunosuppressive medicines may require additional consideration before travelling.
Vaccination recommendations can depend on the person’s condition, medications, destination, duration of travel and potential exposure risks.
Make sure your doctor knows about any relevant medical conditions and medications before receiving travel vaccinations.
Planning an Overseas Trip?
A little preparation before you leave can make a big difference.
If you’re planning international travel, book a pre-travel consultation with Narre Warren Clinic. Our doctors can review your travel plans and vaccination history and discuss appropriate health precautions for your trip.
Planning your next overseas adventure? Book a travel health consultation with Narre Warren Clinic before you go.
Medical disclaimer: Travel vaccination requirements vary according to destination, itinerary and individual circumstances. This article provides general information and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. Vaccination recommendations can change, so speak with your GP for advice appropriate to your trip.
