Travel medicine
Travel vaccinations & health advice
The vaccinations you need depend on where you're going, how long you're travelling, and what you'll be doing. Book a pre-travel consultation ideally 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccines to take effect.
Must-have for most travellers
Depends on itinerary & risk
Routine — check you're up to date
Vaccinations by destination
Asia
Must-have
Hepatitis A
Typhoid fever
Influenza
It depends
Rabies
Hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
Malaria (tablets)
Cholera (tablets)
Routine
Tdap
MMR
Polio (Pakistan/Afghanistan)
Africa
Must-have
Hepatitis A
Typhoid fever
Influenza
It depends
Rabies
Hepatitis B
Malaria (tablets)
Cholera (tablets)
Yellow fever
Meningococcal ACWY
Routine
Tdap
MMR
South America
Must-have
Hepatitis A
Typhoid fever
Influenza
It depends
Rabies (bats)
Hepatitis B
Malaria (Amazon regions)
Cholera (tablets)
Yellow fever
Routine
Tdap
MMR
Key vaccines explained
Hepatitis A
Contaminated food and water
Viral liver infection common throughout Asia, Africa, and South America. Most people recover but symptoms can be severe and last months. Two doses provide protection for life.
2 doses — lifelong protection
Typhoid fever
Contaminated food and water
Serious bacterial infection common in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of South America. Can be fatal if untreated. Injectable or oral vaccine available.
Injectable (3 yrs) or oral (3–5 yrs)
Rabies
Animal bite or scratch — dogs (Asia/Africa), bats (Americas)
Almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment and is essential for remote travel. Bali has been endemic since 2008.
2–3 doses — essential for high-risk travellers
Malaria
Mosquito bite (Anopheles) — dusk to dawn
Preventive tablets required for high-risk areas (PNG, parts of Indonesia, sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon basin). Options include Malarone®, doxycycline, or Lariam®.
Preventive tablets — before, during & after travel
Yellow fever
Mosquito bite — parts of Africa and South America
Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. Australia requires a Yellow Fever certificate from travellers arriving from risk countries. Certificate valid for life after 10 days.
Single dose — valid for life. Must be given at accredited centre
Japanese encephalitis
Mosquito bite — rural Asia near rice paddies and pig farms
Rare but can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage. Recommended for stays of one month+ in rural Asia, or high-risk outdoor activities during monsoon season.
1–2 doses depending on vaccine type
Hepatitis B
Blood, sexual contact, unsterile medical equipment
High risk throughout sub-Saharan Africa and most of Asia. Particularly relevant if receiving medical care, tattoos, or piercings overseas, or having casual sexual contact.
3 doses — long-lasting protection
Meningococcal ACWY
Close contact — respiratory droplets
Highest risk in Africa's "meningitis belt" (Senegal to Ethiopia), especially December–June. Single dose recommended for travel to this region. Also required for Hajj pilgrims.
Single dose — protects 3–5 years
🚑 If bitten or scratched by an animal abroad
Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
Apply an iodine solution if available
Seek urgent medical care immediately — do not wait for symptoms
Without prior vaccination: 5 vaccine doses + Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) required — HRIG is hard to find in many countries
With prior vaccination: only 2 booster doses needed, no HRIG required
Book a pre-travel consultation
Dr Matt Shaw is an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination provider at MyClinic Melbourne. Book at least 4–6 weeks before departure — some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks.