Quick summary for busy readers
Check whether you need travel vaccinations well before your trip. The vaccinations you need depend on your destination, itinerary and individual circumstances.
See your GP or travel clinic around 6–8 weeks before departure to discuss your plans, recommended vaccinations and any other health precautions.
Children may need additional planning, particularly if their routine vaccinations aren't yet complete or you're travelling to a destination where additional vaccines or malaria prevention may be recommended.
Vaccinations aren't your only protection. Food and water hygiene, insect-bite prevention and good general hygiene can help reduce your risk of illness overseas.
Research your destination and planned activities, particularly if you're travelling to areas where infectious diseases are more common or taking part in humanitarian or disaster-relief work.
Take a basic travel health kit and any medication you need, and make sure you have appropriate medical advice before travelling.
Check current health advisories before you leave, as disease outbreaks and other health risks can change.
What are travel vaccinations?
The vaccinations you need when travelling overseas depend on where you're going, how long you're staying and what you'll be doing while you're there. Some destinations carry a higher risk of infectious diseases, making it important to seek medical advice before you travel.
Your GP or travel clinic can assess your itinerary and advise which vaccinations and other precautions may be appropriate.
When should I get travel vaccinations?
Ideally, speak to your GP or travel clinic around six to eight weeks before you travel. This gives you time to receive any recommended vaccinations and, where necessary, complete a course of doses before departure.
The cost of travel vaccinations varies depending on which vaccines you need. Some vaccinations may be available free of charge, while others require payment. If you're travelling to a destination where several vaccinations are recommended, costs can add up, so it's worth asking your GP or travel clinic about the options and comparing prices where appropriate.
It’s worth noting that caccinations don't all provide protection for the same length of time. Some may require boosters before a future trip, so check with your doctor or travel clinic whether your vaccinations are still up to date.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What vaccinations does my child need before travelling?
If your child is still completing their routine childhood vaccinations, speak to your GP or travel clinic before you travel. They can advise whether your child's vaccination schedule needs to be adjusted and whether any additional vaccinations are recommended for your destination.
Do children need extra vaccinations when travelling overseas?
It depends on your destination, itinerary and your child's individual circumstances. Ask your GP or travel clinic whether any additional vaccinations or preventative treatments are recommended.
Do I need to think about malaria when travelling with children?
If you're travelling to an area where malaria is a risk, speak to your doctor about appropriate prevention for your child before you leave.
Can pregnancy or breastfeeding affect travel vaccinations?
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as this may affect which vaccinations or medications are appropriate.
How can I avoid getting sick from food and water overseas?
In destinations where sanitation may be limited, take extra care with food and water. Use properly sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and be cautious with ice, raw or undercooked food, seafood and food that has been sitting at room temperature
How can I protect myself from insect bites while travelling?
Insect bites can transmit illnesses including malaria and dengue. Use an appropriate insect repellent, cover exposed skin where practical and consider mosquito nets or screened accommodation where necessary.
What diseases should I be aware of when travelling overseas?
The health risks you face depend heavily on your destination. Some infectious diseases are more common in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America, while others are associated with particular environmental or sanitation conditions.
Depending on where you're travelling, your doctor may discuss vaccinations or preventative measures for diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus, polio, meningitis and malaria.
What should I consider if I'm travelling to a disaster or humanitarian zone?
Travelling to a disaster zone or taking part in humanitarian aid work can expose you to additional health and safety risks, including poor sanitation, contaminated water, infectious diseases, floodwater and debris.
Before travelling, seek specialised medical advice about your destination and make sure you have appropriate vaccinations and supplies. You may also want to take a suitable first-aid kit, water-purification supplies, mosquito protection, protective gloves and other essentials appropriate to the environment you're entering.
Where can I find the latest travel health advice?
Check current health advice for your destination before travelling. Health risks and disease outbreaks can change, so up-to-date advice can help you understand whether additional precautions, vaccinations or other preparations are recommended.
When should I start preparing for travel health?
Start planning well before departure. Speak to your GP or travel clinic, take your itinerary with you and check whether you need any vaccinations, medication or other precautions for your destination.
Remember that vaccinations are only one part of staying healthy overseas. Taking sensible precautions with food, water and insect bites and checking the latest health advice can also help you stay well while travelling.
