If you are going to be travelling, then we would advise that you make an appointment to come and find out what vaccinations would be recommended. This will vary depending on which countries you will be visiting.
Being prepared is much better than picking up some illness that in some cases are hard to treat and can really spoil your holiday.
We recommend booking an appointment around two months ahead of departure. It is always better late than never. We do not carry the vaccines, but will give you a prescription to obtain whatever is required, from the pharmacist and then you can bring them back to the surgery where our nurse can administer the vaccines without any extra cost.
Many destinations carry an increased risk of traveller’s diarrhoea (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever). It is commonly bacterial, unlike in Australia where it’s nearly always viral. This means some antibiotics can treat it.
You can help avoid traveller's diarrhoea by:
• drinking bottled water/drinks and avoiding ice in drinks
• eating well cooked/recently cooked food and only eating fruit if you peel it yourself.
• washing hands before eating
More information can also be obtained at: http://smartraveller.gov.au/
There is a serious health risk from mosquito bites in many locations including parts of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia (including Bali), India and nearby areas. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, among others.
Mosquito repellant (containing at least 30% DEET) is imperative. You can take cream or an aerosol on airlines in checked luggage. If applying with sunscreen put the repellant on last. Long loose fitting clothing can help and air conditioned accommodation is generally safe.
Malaria Tablets are recommended for many destinations. We will give you information on the pros and cons of differing medications, this may also vary depending on which country you are visiting.
The most common vaccines required are influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Recommended vaccines will vary widely depending on your destination, length of stay, standard of accommodation, exposure to animals, and personal preference.
A course of hepatitis A and B vaccination gives you lifelong protection and hence is very valuable for repeat travel. Typhoid vaccine lasts three years. Influenza vaccine lasts six months, an important consideration as flu is very easy to catch in the enclosed space of an airplane and is transmitted all year in tropical countries.
It’s also crucial to ensure your childhood vaccinations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and polio etc are up to date. If in doubt we can do a blood test to check your immunity for most of these conditions.
Now go and enjoy your holiday.