Essential Travel Vaccines to Consider Before Your Overseas Journey
Infectious diseases are a global concern, but certain destinations pose a higher risk of illness due to factors like tropical climates, poor water sanitation, and disease-carrying insects or animals. With Australia experiencing its busiest month for short-term overseas travel, pre-travel vaccinations are often overlooked, especially by those visiting friends and relatives. This group is at greater risk due to longer stays, rural travel, consumption of local food and water, and closer contact with populations.
Why Travel Vaccines Are Crucial
Getting sick overseas can disrupt holiday plans or lead to severe illness, complicating navigation of foreign health systems. Declining childhood vaccination rates and low adult vaccine uptake globally exacerbate these risks. Vaccines are vital for protection against region-specific diseases and legal entry requirements in some countries.
Key Vaccines to Prioritise
Routine Vaccines: These include measles and flu vaccines, not specific to travel but essential for overall health.
Destination-Specific Vaccines: Tailored to infectious disease risks in your travel area, such as typhoid, or based on personal health and activities.
Legally Required Vaccines: Mandatory for entry in some countries, like yellow fever vaccines or those for travellers to Mecca.
Detailed Vaccine Information
Measles: A highly infectious virus causing severe illness, with outbreaks globally, including in Australia linked to returns from Southeast Asia. Ensure vaccination with two doses; check records with your GP. Infants from six months old can receive a free extra dose if travelling overseas.
Flu: A common cause of infection in travellers. While typically administered in autumn or winter, a dose is recommended for those heading into the Northern Hemisphere winter, as protection lasts three to four months.
Hepatitis A: A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food, water, or contact. Common worldwide, it requires two doses at least six months apart for lifetime protection, available from one year of age.
Typhoid: A bacterial disease causing high fevers and abdominal pain, with complications like brain inflammation in 10-15% of cases. Acquired mainly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa through contaminated food and water. Vaccines include an injection for those over two years and an oral version for over six years.
Rabies: A fatal virus spread by animal bites or scratches, primarily from dogs but also bats, monkeys, and cats. Pre-travel vaccination reduces the need for post-exposure prophylaxis, simplifying treatment if exposed. A two- or three-visit course is recommended.
Other Important Vaccines
Additional vaccines protect against mosquito-borne diseases like yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, cholera for severe diarrhoea, and mpox for sexually active individuals or those travelling to high-risk areas.
How to Get Vaccinated
Consult your GP or a travel doctor to determine recommended vaccines based on destinations, activities, and health. Many vaccines are available at pharmacies. While some pre-travel vaccines incur costs, they are a small investment compared to travel expenses and crucial for preventing trip disruptions.
This article is based on insights from medical experts Archana Koirala, Anthea Katelaris, and Phoebe Williams, originally published by The Conversation.
