Travel vaccinations: when to book before your trip
Why six to eight weeks before you go is the time to book, and what to bring.
Whether you are heading off on a holiday, visiting family overseas or travelling for work, a travel health appointment helps you plan ahead. The right time to start is usually earlier than people expect.
When to book
Book an appointment six to eight weeks before you leave if you can. Some vaccines need more than one dose, and some take time to work. If you are leaving sooner, it is still worth booking, as there may be things that can be done in the time you have.
What you might need
The vaccines and advice you need depend on:
- The countries and regions you are visiting, including rural or remote areas.
- How long you are staying, and what you will be doing.
- Your age, health, pregnancy and the medicines you take.
- Which vaccines you have had before.
It is also a good time to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Some vaccines, such as yellow fever, can only be given at approved yellow fever vaccination centres.
What to bring
- Your itinerary, including dates and places.
- Your vaccination history, if you have it. You can check your Australian Immunisation Register statement through your Medicare account.
- A list of your current medicines and health conditions.
More than vaccines
A travel appointment can also cover food and water safety, insect bite prevention, travelling with medicines, managing long-term conditions while away and what to do if you get sick overseas. Check the Smartraveller website for travel advice for your destination, and consider travel insurance before you go.
Costs
At Aberdeen Surgery, travel medicine consultations can attract a fee, and many travel vaccines are bought privately. Reception will tell you the cost before you book. Some vaccines are free for eligible people under the National Immunisation Program, so ask about your situation.