Travel Vaccinations: Your Guide for This Holiday Season

Travel Vaccinations: Your Guide for This Holiday Season

Planning an overseas trip? Travel vaccinations are a key part of your preparation. Vaccine requirements change depending on your destination, type of trip, and health status. This guide will walk you through what vaccinations you might need, when to book them, and where to go. You’ll also learn about entry requirements, potential costs, and common risks associated with skipping immunisation.

Why Travel Vaccinations Matter

When you travel abroad, you may face illnesses that are rare or controlled in Australia. Vaccines, often known as travel vaccines, help protect you from getting sick or bringing a serious infection back home. Some countries even require proof of vaccination, for example, the Yellow fever vaccine certificate may be mandatory on arrival in certain regions.

Unvaccinated travellers risk trip disruption, serious illness, or denial of entry at borders.

For Australians, timing is particularly important: The Department of Health and Aged Care recommends you consult a doctor or travel clinic 6‑12 weeks before departure. 

What Travel Vaccines Might You Need?

Which vaccines you need depends on your destination, how long you’ll stay, and what you’ll be doing. The term travel immunisation covers both routine vaccines (which you should already have) and those specific to your trip. The guideline from the National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance (NCIRS) recommends assessing your risk based on itinerary and exposure.

Routine Vaccines to Update Before Travel

Before you even consider destination‑specific vaccines, make sure you are up to date on these routine ones:

• Tetanus (with diphtheria and pertussis)

• Measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR)

• Hepatitis B
  
  

• Influenza (flu)
  
  

• COVID-19

• Polio
  
  

• Varicella (chickenpox)

These form your baseline protection and cover many illnesses that remain endemic elsewhere.

Common Travel Vaccinations

Here are additional vaccines travellers often require:

• Hepatitis A — spread via contaminated food/water in many countries

• Typhoid — especially if eating local food in areas with poor sanitation

• Yellow Fever — mandatory in some African/Latin American regions

• Japanese Encephalitis — for rural travel in parts of Asia/Pacific

• Rabies — for long‑stay/travel to remote areas or in contact with animals

Some of these aren’t required for every trip, so you’ll want personalised advice from your GP or travel medicine clinic.

Factors That Affect Which Vaccines You Need

Key variables that determine your vaccine needs include:

• Destination country and region (urban vs rural)

• Duration of stay (short vs long‑term)

• Activities (e.g., trekking, wildlife contact, certain foods)

• Your age, health status or pregnancy

• Whether you’re visiting friends/relatives (higher risk exposures)

When Should You Get Vaccinated Before Travel?

It’s best to book a travel health consultation 6–12 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require multiple doses or time to build full immunity, so early planning is crucial. Your travel health provider will review your itinerary, check your routine vaccinations, and recommend any destination-specific vaccines.

Some vaccines take 2 to 4 weeks to become fully effective. Plan early.

Travel Vaccine Requirements by Country/Region

*This table is a general guide. Individual risk factors, itinerary, and health status may change recommendations. Always consult your GP or a travel health specialist for destination-specific advice.

Diseases to Be Aware Of When Travelling

Travelling exposes you to illnesses uncommon in Australia. Many are preventable with vaccines:

• Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food or water; common in Asia, Africa, South America.

• Hepatitis B – Bloodborne and sexually transmitted; risks higher in long-term stays or healthcare work.

• Typhoid – Food and waterborne; prevalent in Asia and parts of Africa.

• Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito-borne; risk increases with rural travel in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.

• Yellow fever – Mosquito-borne; entry requirement for many African and South American countries.

• Rabies – Virus from animal bites; rare but fatal if untreated, especially in remote areas.

• Cholera – Waterborne; outbreaks occur in regions with poor sanitation.

Some regions may experience seasonal patterns or recent outbreaks, so up-to-date information is essential. A GP or travel health provider can tailor advice to your itinerary and current risks.

Special Cases and High-Risk Travellers

Certain travellers need extra care and personalised guidance:

• Pregnant travellers – Some vaccines are unsafe during pregnancy; timing is critical.

• Babies and young children – Dose schedules differ from adults; some vaccines are not recommended.

• Older adults – Immunity may be lower, increasing susceptibility to disease.

• People with weakened immune systems – Vaccines may need modification or alternatives.

GPs or travel health specialists can adapt schedules, offer alternatives, or suggest risk-reducing strategies for these groups.

How Much Do Travel Vaccines Cost?

Travel vaccines in Australia are generally not free. Costs vary by vaccine, clinic, and whether multiple doses are needed. Booking a consultation and vaccinations with the same provider can simplify scheduling and may reduce overall cost.

Are Travel Vaccines Covered by Medicare?

Most travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare. Some private health insurance policies may partially cover costs, so it’s wise to check eligibility and rebates before your appointment.

Check your coverage early to avoid out-of-pocket surprises.

How to Check Your Vaccination Records

You can access your immunisation history through MyGov via the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This provides a complete record of routine and catch-up vaccines. GPs can help review your record, identify gaps, and advise on any vaccines you may need before travelling. Bringing a printed copy of your immunisation history to your travel consultation ensures accurate, personalised recommendations.

Book a Travel Vaccine Consultation at Myhealth

Myhealth clinics offer GP-led travel health consultations to ensure you are properly protected. During your appointment, your GP will review your destination, medical history, and itinerary, then recommend suitable vaccines. Early booking is essential, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become fully effective.

Book a travel vaccine consultation with a Myhealth GP near you to protect your next overseas trip.

FAQs About Travel Vaccinations

How far in advance should I get travel vaccines?

Most vaccines should be administered 6–12 weeks before departure to ensure full effectiveness. Some vaccines require multiple doses or booster shots, so early planning is key.

Are travel vaccines mandatory for international travel?

Some vaccines are required for entry to certain countries (e.g., yellow fever). Others are recommended based on destination and activities. Always check requirements with a GP or travel health specialist.

What documents or proof do I need for international travel vaccinations?

Some destinations require official vaccine certificates. Keep your printed immunisation record or digital AIR record handy for travel and border checks.

Can children and babies get travel vaccines?

Yes, but dosages and timing differ from adults. Some vaccines may not be recommended for very young children, so consult a GP for age-appropriate advice.

Can I get vaccinated if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Some vaccines are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while others are not. Your GP can tailor recommendations to protect both you and your baby while minimising risk.