Booking flights and finding accommodation is the exciting part of any trip. Vaccinations tend to be the thing we remember a week before departure. If you’re heading overseas from Canberra, Queanbeyan or Jerrabomberra, a little planning can make the health side of your trip much easier.
Why it helps to plan early
Some travel vaccines need more than one dose, spaced over several weeks. It also takes time for your body to build immunity after a vaccine. Smartraveller, the Australian Government’s travel advisory service, suggests seeing your doctor at least six to eight weeks before you leave. If your trip is sooner than that, it’s still worth booking in, as your GP can talk you through your options.
What decides which vaccines you may need
There’s no single list that suits every traveller. Your GP will usually consider:
- Where you’re going, including regions within a country
- How long you’ll be away and the time of year
- What you’ll be doing, such as city stays, rural travel, trekking or spending time around animals
- Where you’ll be eating and staying
- Your age, medical history and vaccination record
Vaccines your GP may discuss
Depending on your itinerary, the conversation may include vaccines against:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Cholera
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Influenza
For malaria, preventative medication rather than a vaccine is available, and your GP can advise whether it’s recommended for your destination.
Many destinations across Asia, Africa, and Central and South America carry a known risk for one or more of these diseases, with Japanese encephalitis more specific to Asia and parts of Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Risk varies by country and even by region within a country, so it’s worth checking your specific itinerary with your GP. Resources like Vaccine Hub (vaccinehub.com.au) and Smartraveller can also help you check the risk profile for your destination before your appointment. This isn’t a complete list, and not every vaccine or medication is needed for every trip.
Don’t overlook your routine vaccines
Travel is a good prompt to check that your everyday vaccines are up to date. Some diseases that are uncommon in Australia are more common in other parts of the world, so a booster may be part of your plan. You can view your vaccination history through your Medicare online account in myGov, and bringing it along helps your GP see what you’ve already had.
Holiday, work trip or visiting family
A relaxing beach holiday, a work trip and a long visit to relatives overseas can all involve different health considerations. Tell your GP the full picture of your trip, including any side trips, because it helps them tailor their advice to you.
What to bring to your appointment
- Your travel itinerary, including dates and destinations
- Your vaccination record
- A list of any medications you take
- Any questions about food, water, insects or health while you’re away
Book your travel health appointment
Planning an overseas trip? Book a time with the team at The Surgery at Jerra to talk through your travel vaccines. You can book online at tsaj.com.au or call us on 02 6255 8112. Most travel vaccines aren’t covered by Medicare, so it’s worth asking our reception team about costs when you book.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak with your GP about your own situation.
