Travel Vaccinations: What You Need Before Your Trip

If you’re planning an overseas trip, your immunisation record is part of your travel preparation — as important as your passport and travel insurance. Some vaccines need multiple doses across several weeks, and some destinations require specific documentation to enter. A travel consultation with your GP is the single most important step to travelling safely.

When to See Your GP

Book your travel consultation at least 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. Some vaccines require two or three doses spread over several weeks to be fully effective. Others, like rabies and Japanese encephalitis, have schedules that take a month or more.

If your trip is sooner than that, it’s still worth seeing a GP — many single-dose vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and typhoid) give you reasonable protection within a week or two. Some protection is always better than none.

What to Tell Your GP

• Where you’re going — every country, including stopovers. Different regions within a country can have different risks.
• How long you’ll be there — a two-week holiday has different risk exposure to a three-month backpacking trip.
• What you’ll be doing — staying in cities vs. rural areas, adventure sports, volunteering, working with animals, visiting friends and relatives (VFR travel has higher risk).
• Where you’ll stay — resort vs. local homes, urban vs. rural accommodation.
• Your health history — pregnancy, immunocompromised status, chronic conditions, previous vaccine reactions.
• Your existing immunisation record — your GP can access this via Medicare or My Health Record.

Common Travel Vaccines

Routine vaccines (check you’re up to date)

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) — measles outbreaks continue to occur in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) — boosters are recommended every 10 years.
• Polio — a single-dose booster is advised for some destinations.
• Annual flu vaccine — highly recommended if travelling during flu season in your destination hemisphere.
• COVID-19 — ensure you have current boosters aligned to local recommendations.

Destination-based vaccines

• Hepatitis A — recommended for most countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Spread through contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B — for longer stays, medical tourism, or activities involving potential blood exposure.
• Typhoid — for South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of South America.
• Cholera — for aid workers, refugee camps, and areas of active outbreak.
• Japanese encephalitis — for rural Asia during mosquito season, particularly prolonged stays.
• Rabies — pre-exposure course recommended for remote travel, animal handlers, cyclists, and children.
• Yellow fever — required for entry to some African and South American countries. Must be given at a licensed yellow fever vaccination centre.
• Meningococcal disease — required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages; recommended for sub-Saharan Africa.
• Tick-borne encephalitis — for rural or forested areas of Europe and Russia.

Malaria: Not a Vaccine, But Essential

Malaria is prevented through a combination of antimalarial tablets and mosquito bite avoidance. Your GP will check the specific region’s malaria risk and resistance patterns, and prescribe the right medication. Common options include doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil, and mefloquine — each with different dosing schedules, side effect profiles, and costs.

Start antimalarials before you arrive in the malaria zone (timing varies by medication) and continue after you leave. Don’t skip doses — malaria is potentially fatal and can present weeks after returning home.

Yellow Fever Certificates

Some countries (particularly in Africa and South America) require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter. You’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, also called the “yellow card”) — carry it with your passport. Only specifically licensed yellow fever centres can issue these certificates. Your GP can refer you to the nearest one if they don’t offer the service themselves.

Travel Medicine Kit

Your GP will help you put together a personal medical kit appropriate to your destination. Typical items include:

• A letter listing your regular medications (for customs)
• Antimalarials if needed
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea
• Anti-nausea medication
• Strong analgesics (pain relief)
• Insect repellent (50% DEET or similar)
• Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing advice
• Basic wound care supplies

After Your Trip

If you return with symptoms — fever, persistent diarrhoea, skin lesions, unusual fatigue — tell your GP where you travelled as soon as you book the appointment. Some tropical diseases (malaria, dengue, parasites) present weeks or months after exposure and need specific testing that isn’t done routinely. Mention travel up front so the right tests are ordered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel vaccines covered by Medicare?

The GP consultation is Medicare-rebatable. The vaccines themselves are generally not subsidised for travel — you pay the full cost of the vaccine, which varies widely by type. Some vaccines are provided free under the National Immunisation Program but only for specific eligible groups (e.g., childhood hepatitis B).

Can I get all travel vaccines at any GP?

Most GPs offer routine travel vaccinations. Yellow fever requires a licensed centre. Some specialised travel medicine practices also stock less-common vaccines that smaller clinics may need to order in.

Do children need different travel vaccines?

Yes — schedules for children are different, and some adult vaccines aren’t approved for young children. Always discuss paediatric travel vaccinations with your GP well in advance.

What if I’m pregnant or trying to conceive?

Some live vaccines (including yellow fever, MMR, and varicella) are contraindicated in pregnancy. Your GP will weigh travel risks against vaccine safety and may advise postponing travel to certain destinations.

Do I need travel insurance if I’ve been vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccinations reduce the risk of specific diseases but don’t cover you for hospitalisation abroad, repatriation, or trip cancellation. Travel insurance is essential regardless of your vaccination status.

Book Your Travel Consultation

Book your travel consultation well in advance of departure — ideally 6 to 8 weeks. Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and ask for a long appointment dedicated to travel medicine.