If you are wanting to travel overseas, it’s a good idea to plan well in advance for the vaccines you’ll need to have on entry to many countries.
There is frequently a requirement, especially when visiting third-world countries or returning to Australia, to have formal health documentation showing you have the required vaccines to enter.
Common Vaccinations
Some common vaccines for travelling overseas are listed below:
- Typhoid,
- Cholera,
- Hepatitus A and B,
- Meningococcal Disease,
- Yellow Fever, and
- Rabies.
The North Dandenong Clinic keeps an inventory of a number of commonly required vaccinations on site. Should you require an unusual one, the clinic will need to order it in for you. Once it has arrived, you will be notified by the reception team.
North Dandenong is a Yellow Fever Accredited Vaccination Clinic, If you would like to book an appointment with our Clinic, please let the Receptionist know that it’s for a travel vaccine consultation.
The Process and Timing of Vaccinations
Timing of vaccinations prior to your trip is important so that you can ensure you have recovered well and given the vaccine enough time to provide adequate immunity and protection before you leave. Please book your appointment with a doctor who will consult with you first and recommend the vaccines required.
The doctor will then take you through to a treatment room whereby a nurse will attend to you. The vaccinations are administered between the hours of 9am – 5pm. The medical team recommends that your travel vaccinations are provided at least 6-12 weeks prior to your departure date, but speak with our team if your travel dates fall outside of this timeframe.
Be Aware of Your Environment on Holiday
Whether you’re heading off for business, a family holiday or a backpacking adventure, your health should be part of your travel checklist. Travel medicine isn’t just about getting vaccinations—it’s about understanding the risks in different parts of the world and taking practical steps to stay well while you’re away.
Here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe and healthy on your journey:
- If you are travelling in a foreign country, avoid drinking untreated tap water – opt for bottled or purified water.
- Be careful of buying street food, ask a local that you trust for recommendations on which stalls to eat from. In many cases, if you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, the hosts will be happy to give you local advice.
- The right clothing can protect you from both the elements and health risks. For example protect yourself from mosquitoes with repellent, cover as much of your body as you can during the day, and use mosquito nets at night.
- Be well prepared by reviewing all the travel requirements on the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website, for the countries that you will be visiting.
Pack a Travel Health Kit
No one wants their holiday disrupted by a sudden illness in the middle of the night. To minimise the risk of discomfort while waiting for medical help or morning light, it’s a good idea to pack a well-stocked travel health kit. A few essential items to include are:
- Your regular prescription medications in their original packaging, along with a doctor’s letter if required by customs.
- Antihistamines for allergy relief and motion sickness tablets, if you’re prone to nausea while travelling.
- Basic first aid supplies such as adhesive bandages, tweezers, pain relievers, aloe vera gel for sunburn, and a digital thermometer.
Plan for Travel Insurance
If you are planning to travel, remember to take out travel insurance in advance. In most countries once you’ve left home, it’s far more difficult and expensive to register for health insurance. The best option is to organise it well in advance of your trip.
Take out the most appropriate travel insurance for the activities you will be getting involved in. For example skiing and other adventure sports will cost more, but it’s worth taking out the extra cover. Don’t forget that in many countries especially Europe and the USA, medical expenses often have to be paid upfront before any medical attention is administered.
As a wise person once said “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”, a good maxim to adhere to.
Carry copies of an emergency contact list with you at all times, which include local embassy details and health providers.
Travel is fun, adventurous and can be life-changing. To enjoy it to the max, travellers need to be well prepared. The North Dandenong Clinic can assist with all your vaccinations and personalised health plans. Whether you’re travelling for work, study, or leisure, we’re here to help you prepare with confidence.
Call the Reception today on (03) 9793 5395 to book an appointment to get the travel advice and protection you need for a safe and enjoyable trip. At the time of booking, please tell the Receptionist that the appointment is for a travel vaccine consultation.
