Vaccination checklist for travellers

There are many types of vaccinations available to travellers to prevent becoming seriously illness while overseas, according to Dr Jonathan Cohen, medical director of The Travel Clinic, who outlines the major illnesses that require vaccinations.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is one of the most common causes of vaccine-preventable disease in travellers. High-risk areas include Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America and parts of Europe and the Middle East.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is carried by up to one in 200 Australians so even accidental exposure to blood of body fluids carries risk to people who are not immune.

Typhoid

Typhoid can result in severe illness and death and a vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where drinking water is unsafe or hygiene is poor. High risk areas include greater Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America and parts of Europe and the Middle East.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever infection has a high fatality rate and an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is a legal requirement for entry into many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chicken Pox

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine and Chicken Pox is recommended for adults born since 1966 who have either not had the diseases or not previously been adequately vaccinated. These childhood illnesses can have serious effects on adults, while rubella can cause foetal malformations.

Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis

Recommended for all Australians every 10 years. Tetanus can occur following any skin tear, but vaccination every 10 years is mainly to maintain immunity against Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

Cholera

Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food and results in diarrhoea that leads to severe dehydration. Vaccinations provide good protection for two years.

Rabies

Rabies has almost 100 per cent fatality rate – the highest of any vaccine-preventable disease. High risk areas include south-east Asia and most developing countries worldwide.

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for prolonged or higher risk exposure to areas in Asia. It has also been present in the Murray Valley in Victoria.

Meningitis

Recommended for travellers to high-risk areas, especially sub-Saharan Africa.

Polio

Cases have re-emerged around the world including Israel and New York and the virus has been found in sewerage samples in London and in Australia. Official certification required for entry to some countries and recommended for travel to others including Israel and Egypt.

Tuberculosis

BCG vaccination is mainly reserved for workers in some professions and children under the age of five who are visiting endemic areas.

For more information: travelclinic.com.au