- Walk in on weekdaysIn store hours, whenever a pharmacist immuniser is free
- From 5 years of ageThe NSW minimum age for most travel vaccines given by a pharmacist
- Seven travel vaccinesHepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, polio, rabies, meningococcal and Japanese encephalitis
Give yourself enough time
The Department of Health suggests seeing a doctor or travel health clinic 6 to 12 weeks before you leave Australia. Immunity takes time to build, and several vaccines come as a course. Rabies and hepatitis B, for instance, can mean more than one clinic visit before departure.
Flying out sooner than that? Come in anyway. An accelerated schedule exists for hepatitis B, alone or combined with hepatitis A, though it needs one more dose about a year later.
A travel vaccines checklist
- Read the Smartraveller advice for every country on your route, including the health heading on each destination page.
- Look up your immunisation record in myGov to see what you have already had.
- Check your routine vaccines are up to date as well as your travel ones: measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, polio, chickenpox and influenza.
- Tell the pharmacist about pregnancy, medical conditions, current medicines and any past reaction to a vaccine.
Travel vaccinations in Abermain: what we give
Each vaccine below has its own page on who it suits and how the course runs.
- Hepatitis A and B vaccine: liver infections picked up from food, water, blood or body fluids.
- Typhoid vaccine: an injection or a course of capsules for regions where sanitation is poor.
- Polio vaccine: a booster for trips to countries where polio still circulates.
- Rabies vaccine: pre-exposure doses, given before you go.
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine: for longer or rural stays in parts of Asia and Papua New Guinea.
- Meningococcal vaccine: required for Hajj pilgrims and recommended in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
The yellow fever vaccine is not on our list. Only authorised yellow fever vaccination centres can give it and issue the certificate that some countries demand at the border.
Flu, measles and habits abroad
Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable infection among travellers, so a current flu vaccine belongs on the list, particularly before a cruise or a large tour group. Measles deserves a check as well: Australians born during or since 1966 who have not had two doses of an MMR vaccine are advised to have one before travelling.
Vaccines do not replace careful habits abroad: safe food and water, mosquito bite prevention and keeping clear of stray animals still matter.
Bring with you: photo ID, a Medicare card if you hold one, your vaccination history, and your travel dates and route written down.
Travel vaccine questions
How do I prove which vaccines I have had?
Every dose we give goes on the Australian Immunisation Register, and you can download an immunisation history statement from it. Some overseas schools and universities ask for evidence of measles or meningococcal vaccination, so check before you enrol.
Should I still see a GP before I go?
Yes, if you are pregnant, live with a medical condition or are heading somewhere remote. Smartraveller suggests asking your doctor whether it is safe for you to travel and how to avoid illnesses such as malaria.
Are travel vaccines free?
The Department of Health says travel vaccines may not be covered by the National Immunisation Program, in which case you pay for them. Call us on (02) 4930 4442 to check the cost of the ones on your list.
Planning for home as well as away? Every other vaccine we give is on our vaccinations at Abermain Chemist page.
Talk to us about your trip
Walk in to Abermain Chemist any weekday during store hours with your route and dates, or ring first to check someone can see you.