Travel Health
Planning an overseas trip? A travel health appointment can help you prepare for the health risks associated with your destination, including recommended vaccinations and other travel health advice.
Start planning early
A little preparation before your trip can help you stay healthy while you're away. We recommend booking your travel health appointment well before your departure date.
before your departure
This gives you time to review your vaccination history, discuss your itinerary and receive any vaccinations or other travel health measures that may be recommended.
Some vaccines require more than one dose, and some destinations have specific vaccination or documentation requirements.
Don't wait for the 6–8 week window. Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on your circumstances, there may still be important vaccinations and travel health measures that can be arranged before you leave.
What happens at your travel health appointment?
Your GP will assess your individual travel plans and health history to determine which vaccinations and other precautions may be appropriate for your trip.
Your destination
We will discuss where you are travelling, including countries you will visit and any stopovers or transit destinations.
Your plans
Your activities, accommodation, length of stay and type of travel can all affect your exposure to different health risks.
Your health
Your age, medical conditions, pregnancy plans, medications and previous vaccinations will be taken into consideration.
Travel vaccinations
Depending on your destination and individual circumstances, you may need additional vaccinations before travelling overseas. Your GP will assess your itinerary, activities, health, age and previous vaccination history to determine which vaccines or other travel health measures may be recommended for you.
Vaccines that may be recommended include
Not every traveller needs every vaccine. Recommendations depend on your destination, itinerary, length of stay, planned activities, previous vaccinations and individual health circumstances.
Vaccines we stock at SDC
Some travellers may require vaccines that we do not routinely stock, such as rabies or other destination-specific vaccines.
Where appropriate, your doctor can provide a prescription for the required vaccine. You can obtain the vaccine from a pharmacy and return to Southern Doctors Clinic for administration.
Your doctor can also prescribe malaria prevention medication when it is recommended for your destination and individual circumstances.
Yellow fever vaccination
Southern Doctors Clinic is an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre. Yellow fever vaccination may be recommended for travel to areas where yellow fever virus transmission occurs, and some countries require proof of vaccination for entry.
Travel health is more than vaccinations
Vaccination is an important part of preparing for overseas travel, but there are other health risks to consider. Your travel health appointment is an opportunity to discuss your trip and any precautions that may be appropriate for you.
Food and water
Discuss ways to reduce your risk of food- and water-borne illnesses, particularly when travelling to areas where sanitation may be limited.
Mosquito and insect bites
Some destinations have mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever. Bite prevention can be an important part of your travel plan.
Existing medical conditions
If you take regular medication or have an ongoing medical condition, discuss your travel plans with your GP before departure.
Pregnancy and family travel
Pregnancy, travelling with young children or planning a pregnancy can affect which destinations, vaccines and precautions are appropriate.
Heat, altitude and climate
Different environments can create additional risks, including heat-related illness, cold exposure and altitude-related illness.
Travel insurance
Medical care overseas can be expensive. Make sure you understand your travel insurance coverage before you leave Australia.
Check your vaccination history
Before your appointment, it can be helpful to check which vaccinations you have already received. Your Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record may contain vaccinations given through childhood, school programs, the National Immunisation Program and private providers.
If you have older paper records, overseas vaccination records or documentation from previous travel, bring these to your appointment. Your GP can review your history as part of your travel health assessment.
When you return to Australia
Most travellers return home without any significant health problems. However, some illnesses can develop during or after travel.
Tell your doctor that you have recently travelled overseas and provide details about the countries you visited, including any stopovers. This information can help your doctor assess your symptoms appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book my travel appointment?
We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks before departure. This gives you time to review your vaccination history and complete any vaccines that may require multiple doses. If you are travelling sooner, contact us as early as possible.
Do I need travel vaccinations for every overseas trip?
Not necessarily. Travel vaccination recommendations depend on your destination, itinerary, activities, season of travel, health, vaccination history and other individual factors.
Can I get a yellow fever vaccination at Southern Doctors Clinic?
Yes. Southern Doctors Clinic is an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre.
What if I don't know which vaccinations I've already had?
Your GP can review the vaccination information available to you, including your Australian Immunisation Register record. Bring any additional vaccination records you have to your appointment.
What if I am pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. These factors can affect which travel vaccinations and other precautions are appropriate.
Can I travel if I have a medical condition?
Many people with ongoing medical conditions can travel safely with appropriate preparation. Your doctor can discuss your individual circumstances, medications and destination as part of your travel health assessment.
Planning an overseas trip?
Give yourself time to prepare. Book a travel health appointment with Southern Doctors Clinic to discuss your destination, vaccinations and other health considerations before you leave.
Book a Travel Health Appointment