What vaccines should you get if you’re travelling overseas?

Before travelling overseas, there are many things to remember in preparation for travelling. These can involve packing, booking flights, and organising visas – though another important factor to remember is keeping up to date with all necessary vaccines.
To help understand which vaccines you might need, the experts at House Call Doctor have put together a quick go-to guide.
Why do we need vaccines?
Some travellers tend to question why they need vaccines before jetting off overseas and the answer is quite simply – yes, as some countries are still prone to disease outbreaks.
As always, it’s important to look after your health and keeping up to date with vaccines are a key aspect. In fact, some countries require proof you have had the appropriate vaccinations before arrival.
Which vaccines will you need?
Although some destinations simply require general vaccines, others can sometimes require some further specific vaccinations.
Depending on the location, the duration of your travel, diseases found in the local area, and even what activities you are doing – these vaccines will vary.
According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it’s highly recommended to confirm whether you are up to date with vaccines provided as part of the nation’s childhood vaccination program with your regular GP. These can include rubella, measles, mumps, varicella, polio, tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.
Although most residents of Australia receive these vaccinations as a child, depending on your age you may require a booster.
As well as this, the World Health Organisation recommends travellers stay up to date with routine vaccinations (such as the influenza vaccine).
If you are planning to travel to several countries, or for a long period of time, you should also check if you need additional vaccinations including those for encephalitis, typhoid, yellow fever, and meningitis.
Along with this, check whether you may need an extended course of vaccinations to protect against diseases – including hepatitis B or rabies.
As always, consult with your doctor for further information as oral medications may also be required to ward off diseases, such as malaria.