Travel Health
Travellers overseas have up to a 50% chance of suffering travel related illness. Each year, over 500,000 Australians put themselves at risk of illness with potentially serious infection. If you require an appointment with your GP to discuss travel and necessary vaccinations and precautions please advise the receptionist on booking your appointment. These appointments generally take longer than a standard appointment and if a vaccination is required you may need to wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes after the vaccination before leaving.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Prior to travel it is a good idea to have a medical check-up for personalised advice on how to reduce your risk of illness. This will include advice on how to prevent infectious disease.
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Immunisations may be necessary for protection against diseases you may encounter, for routine health measures or as legal requirements for entry into some countries.
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As some vaccinations require a course over weeks to months, you should speak to your GP as early as possible prior to your departure. Generally 6 - 8 weeks prior is adequate.
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To ensure you receive the best advice, your GP will need to know -
* the countries you will be visiting
* length of stay in each country
* time of year in each country
* type of accommodation ( hotel, tent, etc )
* type of travel ( bus, backpacking, etc )
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ONCE YOU RETURN
Some illnesses can emerge weeks or even months after you have returned home from your trip eg -Hepatitis B symptoms typically appear 3 - 4 months after infection. You should keep this in mind, especially in the case of intestinal diseases. If the illness is severe or does not improve after 3 - 4 days, you should contact your GP.
HOW LONG DO VACCINATIONS LAST?
The information below is indicative only. For your specific circumstances, consult with your GP.
Cholera ( x 2 doses ) 2 years
Diptheria 10 years
Flu Vaccine 1 year
Hepatitis A ( x 2 doses ) 10 years +
Hepatitis B ( x 3 doses ) 10 years +
Japanese Encephalitis ( x 3 doses ) 3 years
Measles / Mumps / Rubella 15 years
Meningitis 3 years
Pneumonia 5 years +
Polio 10 years
Rabies ( x 3 doses) 3 years
Tetanus 10 years
Typhoid 3 years
Yellow Fever 10 years
Malaria Whilst on medication
USEFUL INFORMATION RESOURCES
www.myvaccination.com.au/travel.aspx
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