St Lucia Village Medical Centre provides expert travel advice, vaccinations & medications for all worldwide destinations. We recommend making an appointment with one of our doctors at least 8 weeks before you depart to ensure you have the relevant vaccinations for your trip, as well as any booster doses for previous vaccinations that you may require.
In addition to discussing vaccinations specific to your travel plans, we also provide general medical advice regarding travellers’ diarrhoea, altitude sickness, malaria prophylaxis and specific advice for any medical conditions you may have.
Available vaccinations and frequency required – as per Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition
Yellow Fever |
10 yearly booster |
Hepatitis A |
Course of 2 vaccinations for lifelong immunity (3 if in combo with Hep B) |
Hepatitis B |
Course of 3 vaccinations for lifelong immunity |
Typhoid |
3 yearly booster |
Cholera |
Immunity short-lived (3 months to 2 years) before revaccination needed |
Japanese Encephalitis |
1-2 doses, need for booster dosing not yet determined |
Polio |
3 dose primary course plus booster for lifelong immunity |
Rabies |
3 dose primary course for lifelong immunity; booster for high-risk groups |
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) |
2 doses for lifelong immunity |
Pertussis (Whooping cough) |
10 yearly booster(if pregnant, 5 yearly or in 3rd trimester) |
Tetanus (+ Diphtheria) |
10 yearly booster(or 5 yearly if high-risk travel) |
Varicella (Chicken Pox) |
2 doses for lifelong immunity |
Pneumococcal vaccine |
Once for lifelong immunity;Booster dose in medically-at-risk group |
Seasonal Flu vaccine |
Yearly |
General Travel Tips
- Your own medication: If you take regular medication, ensure you have enough with you for the duration of your trip. Our doctors can provide you with a letter for customs listing all of your relevant medications.
- First aid kit: Our doctors will provide you with a list of recommended items to take with you such as headache tablets, antacids, antiseptic lotion, cotton wool, band-aids, latex gloves, safety pins, sunscreen & appropriate insect repellent.
- Be travel fit! If your journey requires you undertake any strenuous activity, it is strongly advised that you slowly build up your fitness in the months prior to leaving to give your body the best chance to adjust.
- Plan ahead: Whether you like your holiday to be meticulously organised or you prefer to be more spontaneous with your travel plans, it is essential to always travel safely and ensure you have adequate travel insurance prior to leaving Australia. Check the DFAT travel advice website for the latest issues & events: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Index
References / Links:
Destination specific advice: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Smart Traveller: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/health.html
Malaria
Malaria is a major public health issue worldwide, affecting over 97 countries including Africa, Asia and the Americas. Malaria is a febrile illness caused by parasites, which are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
People infected with malaria often experience flu-like symptoms of fever, chills, headache and vomiting 7 to 15 days after initial infection. If not treated promptly, malaria can lead to severe complications, and can be fatal – so urgent medical treatment is required.
As there is no vaccination to protect travellers from malaria, prevention is the first line of defence:
- use of protective clothing: light coloured long trousers & long-sleeved shirts, particularly in the evening
- applying effective insect repellents
- sleeping in screened accommodation or under long-lasting insecticidal nets
- avoiding outside activities from dusk until dawn
- avoiding perfume & aftershave
The use of preventative medications (chemoprophylaxis) can be used depending on the malaria risk of the area you are visiting, so ensure you discuss this with your doctor during your travel health consultation.
References / Links:
WHO: http://www.who.int/malaria/travellers/en/
Centre for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/index.html
Therapeutic Guidelines of Australia: www.tg.org.au