Travel Vaccines

It is important to be prepared before travelling. Try to allow sufficient time (ideally over 1 month) for your consult before your departure date inorder to maximise vaccine coverage. 

When calling reception on 9041 4141, please advise at the time, the appointment is for travel vaccines. 

When attending your appointment with your Doctor, the following should be noted:

• Provide information about the countries you will be visiting, length of your trip, the type of accommodation that you will be staying in and activities that you will be involved in,
• For new patients alert the doctor if you have any chronic illnesses, are allergic to anything or take any medications,
• Please bring with you any records of your previous vaccinations,
• Most vaccines are kept on site however for complicated travel issues you may be asked to attend a follow up appointment,
• If you have private insurance with pharmaceutical cover you may be able to claim a portion of the vaccine costs, 
• You will be required to wait a minimum 20 minutes post the vaccine to monitor any severe reaction from the vaccine/s, allow time for this when organising your appointment.

 Vaccinations fall into three different categories – Routine, Recommended and Required.

Routine
Most vaccinations that are routinely administered during childhood may require a periodic booster for effective immunity whilst travelling.  Pre-travel boosters may be required for those who have not followed regular vaccinations during their adulthood.

Routine vaccinations may include:

• Diptheria/tetanus
• Hepatitis B
• HIB (Haemophilus influenza type b)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Poliomyelitis (IPV)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Recommended
Vaccines are recommended to travellers according to the type of itinerary. This includes the countries, length, type and nature of the travel. 
Recommended vaccines are:

• Cholera
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Pneumococcal disease
• Rabies
• Tick-borne Encephalitis
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid fever

Required
The only vaccination that is mandatory under International Health Regulations is Yellow Fever. Some countries may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before a visa can be granted or as a condition of entry. 

Highfield Park Medical Centre is registerd to prescribe and and can administer Yellow Fever vaccines. This vaccine can be ordered in upon request by the doctor, to have on site at the time of your consult.

Useful links

For specific information on the types of travel vaccinations click on the following link:
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Immunisation_for_Travel

For information on current travel alerts issued by the Australian Government click on the following link http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/