Travel Vaccinations

What are Travel Vaccinations?

Travel vaccinations are immunisations given before travel to protect you from infectious diseases that may be more common or serious in other parts of the world. These diseases might not be a concern in Australia, but can pose serious health risks overseas due to different environmental conditions, sanitation standards, or disease-carrying insects.

These vaccines help your immune system recognise and fight specific germs if you are exposed to them during your travels. Travel vaccinations are part of pre-travel healthcare and are often recommended in conjunction with travel advice, medication (such as malaria prevention), and general health planning.



The specific vaccinations recommended or required for a particular destination will depend on factors such as the traveller's age, health status, itinerary, and the current disease situation in the destination country. Travellers should consult their doctors for personalised advice and recommendations.

Who is Suitable for Travel Vaccinations?

Travel vaccinations are recommended for a wide range of individuals, including

• Travellers visiting destinations where certain infectious diseases are expected or where the risk of exposure is higher
• Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, that may make them more susceptible to certain infections
• People travelling for business or pleasure, including tourists, backpackers, students, and long-term travellers
• People travelling to visit friends and relatives
• Health care workers, aid workers, and other professionals travelling to areas with a high risk of infectious diseases
• Individuals planning to live in a country for an extended period
• People who have been previously vaccinated but have lost immunity over time

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 of mind 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 for certain countries, and not having them can result in fines or 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: GPs and travel health clinics can tailor a plan specific 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

• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
• www.masta.edu.au
• www.smarttraveller.gov.au
• App - Google - fit2travel
• App - Apple - vaccine record for travellers

Whilst individual requirements may vary, the standard adult schedules for typical vaccinations are as follows:

Additional fees may be charged for certain immunisations and vaccinations that Medicare does not cover.

Travel Medicine Appointments

Most travellers will require a 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.