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 do I need before travelling overseas?
There isn't one standard set of travel vaccines for every destination. The vaccines recommended depend on your destination, itinerary, activities, length of stay, age, vaccination history and health. You should also make sure routine Australian vaccinations are up to date, including measles, influenza, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.
How far in advance should I get travel vaccinations?
Ideally, see your doctor or a travel health clinic 6–12 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses and your immune system needs time to develop protection. Even if you're travelling sooner, it's still worth seeking advice, as accelerated vaccination schedules may be appropriate for some vaccines.
Do I need proof of vaccination to travel?
Sometimes. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, and requirements can also depend on where you've travelled or transited previously. Yellow fever is the key example: some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), and yellow fever vaccination must be given at an authorised vaccination centre.
Do I still need travel vaccinations if I've had my childhood vaccinations?
Possibly. Routine childhood vaccinations provide important protection, but some immunity can decrease over time and you may need boosters. You may also need additional vaccines based on your destination and activities — for example, hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis or rabies. Your doctor can check your vaccination history and recommend what you need.
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.
