Whether you are heading to Bali for a beach holiday or trekking in Nepal, a pre-travel GP visit can protect you from preventable illness and save a holiday from turning into a hospital visit. This guide covers when to book, what vaccinations you might need, and practical travel health advice.
When to Book Your Pre-Travel Appointment
Book your travel health appointment at least 6–8 weeks before departure. This gives time for:
- Some vaccines that need multiple doses (e.g. Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis)
- Immunity to develop (most vaccines take 2 weeks)
- Sourcing any less common vaccines (some are special-order)
- Planning malaria prophylaxis and prescription travel medications
If you are travelling at short notice, do not skip the appointment — some protection is still possible in the week before travel.
Which Vaccinations Do I Need?
It depends on where you are going, how long you are staying, what activities you are doing, your age, and your health. Common travel-related vaccinations include:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travellers to developing countries. Spread by contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays, medical procedures abroad, or certain activities.
- Typhoid: Recommended for travel to South Asia, South-East Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Japanese encephalitis: Recommended for extended stays in rural Asia.
- Yellow fever: Required for entry to some African and South American countries.
- Rabies: Recommended for long stays, rural travel, or working with animals.
- Meningococcal: Required for Hajj pilgrims; recommended for sub-Saharan Africa.
- Cholera: Occasional recommendation for remote areas or outbreak situations.
- Routine vaccinations up to date: MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, influenza, COVID-19.
Your GP will check your vaccination history and recommend based on your specific itinerary.
Malaria: Prevention and Prophylaxis
Malaria is still a significant risk in many parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. Your GP will advise on:
- Antimalarial tablets: Doxycycline, Malarone, or Mefloquine depending on destination and your health
- Mosquito avoidance: DEET-based repellent, long sleeves, permethrin-treated clothing, mosquito nets
- Time of risk: Most malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite at dusk and night
Antimalarials typically need to be started 1–3 days before entering the malaria zone and continued for 1–4 weeks after leaving.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea
The most common travel-related illness. Prevention:
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water
- Avoid ice unless from safe water
- Eat hot, freshly cooked food — avoid buffets left standing
- Peel fruit yourself; avoid pre-cut fruit
- Wash hands frequently with soap or alcohol gel
- Avoid street food if you are not confident about hygiene
Your GP may prescribe standby antibiotics (e.g. azithromycin) to take if you develop moderate to severe diarrhoea during travel.
Your Travel Health Kit
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Anti-diarrhoeal (loperamide) — for symptomatic relief only
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites
- Insect repellent (DEET 30–50%)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses
- Band-aids, antiseptic, and a small first aid kit
- Any regular prescription medications (with original packaging and a letter from your GP)
- Condoms
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Medications Across Borders
If you take regular prescription medications:
- Carry enough for the whole trip plus extra in case of delays
- Keep medications in their original packaging with your name
- Carry a letter from your GP listing your medications and dosages
- Check if any are restricted in your destination country (e.g. codeine, stimulants, some ADHD medications)
- Split your supply between hand luggage and checked luggage
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Declare any pre-existing conditions honestly — undisclosed conditions will not be covered. Check that your policy covers medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
After You Return
See your GP if you develop:
- Fever within 12 months of return from a malaria-risk area (could be delayed-onset malaria)
- Persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 2 weeks
- Unusual skin lesions or rashes
- Persistent cough, fatigue, or weight loss
- Any symptom you are concerned about — tell your GP where you travelled
Find a Family Doctor Clinic Near You
Most Family Doctor clinics offer comprehensive travel health consultations. Book a long consultation 6–8 weeks before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel vaccinations free?
Most travel-specific vaccinations are NOT covered by Medicare or the National Immunisation Program, so there is an out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine itself. The consultation fee is Medicare-rebated, and some Family Doctor clinics bulk bill travel consultations for eligible patients. Ask your clinic for pricing upfront.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, especially if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk area. Your GP will check and provide an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow book) if needed. Yellow fever vaccine must be given at an accredited centre.
Can I get a travel certificate via telehealth?
For some pre-travel advice and prescription travel medications, yes. But most vaccinations need to be administered in person, so plan an in-clinic visit.
Is my routine flu vaccine enough for travel?
Yes — your annual flu vaccine covers you for travel, and you should get one regardless of destination. Flu seasons vary globally, so Northern Hemisphere travellers should be vaccinated year-round.