It’s holiday season, and the skies are about to get busy as many of us jet off to explore other corners of the world! To ensure your time overseas is everything you’ve been dreaming of, make sure your vaccinations are all up-to-date before you head off. In this blog, we discuss some of the most popular travel destinations for Australians, the vaccines that are commonly required for travellers, and provide information about common travel illnesses such as Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Flu, and COVID-19.
Why should I get vaccinated before traveling?
According to the Australian Government Department of Health, if you travel outside Australia, you may get sick from several diseases that vaccinations can prevent. Travellers can bring these diseases into Australia when they return and cause disease outbreaks. You should always ask your health professional about vaccinations before you travel, as your immunity against some diseases could have changed or reduced with time and you may need a booster.
Different countries have different vaccination requirements. The recommended vaccines for travelling depend on several factors, including your age, if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, underlying medical conditions, vaccination history, birthplace, location, and season of travel.
Common vaccinations needed for travel
Some of the most popular travel destinations for Australians include Fiji, Vanuatu, Bali, New Zealand, Thailand, Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Auckland (New Zealand), and London (UK). It’s important to understand what vaccines you might need before you jet off, and these vary depending on your destination of choice. Ideally, you should find out what immunisations you need, and ensure they’re done 6-12 weeks before your departure date.
At WholeLife, pharmacists are available to advise on which vaccinations are recommended in relation to your next destination. Many pharmacists can also offer to administer vaccines in a private consultation.
Below are some common vaccinations which you might consider for your next travel destination:
Typhoid is a disease caused by the bacterium salmonella enterica subspecies, serovar typhi, and is usually transmitted from ingesting contaminated food or water. Vaccination against Typhoid is often recommended when travelling to most Southeast Asian countries including the Indian subcontinent, South Pacific nations (including Papua New Guinea), and some African countries.
Hepatitis B is caused by Hepatitis B virus that affects the liver. Hepatitis B may be transmitted by needle stick injury, through broken or penetrated skin or by mucosal contact with blood or other body fluids (mainly vaginal fluids and semen) from an infectious person. It is recommended that the Hepatitis B vaccine is given to travellers visiting regions of intermediate or high endemicity, including Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Influenza is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that affects people of all ages, especially the most vulnerable and high-risk populations. Even when we are not travelling, all Australians are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza annually, due to the rapid changes and mutations of the virus. The vaccine is updated each year with the most prevalent virus strains, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. The influenza virus is typically more prevalent in winter and therefore vaccination should be considered if you are visiting destinations during their cooler months.
COVID-19 is still very prevalent post-2022 and there are still significant case numbers occurring worldwide. It is highly recommended to keep on top of your COVID-19 vaccination schedule, including any boosters if you have not received one within the last 6 months. Keep up-to-date on the latest trends of the virus, relevant to the destination you are travelling to, and ensure you have plenty of hand sanitiser and face masks in your travel kit for your personal hygiene and safety.
Getting vaccinated before traveling is important for your own health as well as the health of others. Visit WholeLife Pharmacy and Health Foods to speak with a pharmacist about which vaccinations you might need prior to your specific travel plans.
Vaccination services are available at selected WholeLife pharmacies, and are administered by trained and qualified pharmacists in accordance with state and territory legislation and requirements. Service fees may apply and vaccines are subject to availability and patient eligibility. Please reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare professional for more information.
References
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2022), Immunisation for travel, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. <https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/immunisation-for-travel>.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (no date), Vaccines, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Australian Immunisation Handbook. <https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccines>.
