Summer is a peak period for holidays and travel. If you are planning an overseas adventure it’s important to ensure that you and your family are up to date with the immunisation schedule and that you obtain any additional vaccines recommended for your chosen destination. Immunity to past vaccinations may reduce over time so you should check whether you require any boosters.
Vaccine requirements will differ depending on your destination of travel, the duration of your stay, medical conditions, past vaccination history, season of travel and age. Routine child vaccination status should be considered, as it may be necessary to accelerate their immunisation schedule if they are travelling for a prolonged period or to a destination where diseases such as polio, hepatitis B or measles are prevalent. Children and adults differ in their vulnerability to illnesses and side effects of medications; therefore, it is important to assess these on an individual basis with your GP.
One of the vaccines that should be considered by all travellers is influenza. This is the most common vaccine-preventable disease acquired by travellers, particularly if travelling to cooler climates such as the Northern hemisphere. Other common vaccinations include Hepatitis A and typhoid. Hepatitis A and typhoid are spread through contaminated food and water. People are at an increased risk when travelling to developing countries and rural areas with poor sanitation. This includes popular travel destinations such as Bali and other tropical destinations.
Yellow Fever is a mandatory travel vaccine under International Health regulation and may be required for entry into countries with a declared presence of yellow fever. The vaccination and certification can only be given by an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, so please enquire about this when you book your appointment.
If travelling to tropical or mosquito-borne locations such as Asia or the Pacific region, vaccinations for malaria, dengue and Japanese encephalitis may be required. There is a range of other vaccinations that may be required depending on your specific destination and the associated risk factors. The best way to determine your specific requirements is to book an appointment with your GP. Some vaccines require more than one dose or need time for your body to develop full immunity so we advise that you consult with your doctor 6-12 weeks before you leave Australia.
Pro Medical SA
References
RACGP Are we there yet? Travel vaccinations for Australia children. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2014/june/travel-vaccinations-for-children/
Travelvax Vaccinations. Available from https://www.travelvax.com.au/holiday-traveller/vaccinations