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Routine Vaccinations
Most of the common travel or routine vaccinations can be administered simultaneously, although certain vaccines may cause a minor, local reaction if given with other vaccines. If possible, these vaccines should be given on separate occasions, unless time constraints or financial considerations dictate otherwise. Importantly, live vaccines should be administered on the same day as other live vaccines, or separated by one month because the effectiveness of the recipient’s immune response may be prejudiced. Inactivated vaccines can be given at the same time with no effect on immune response.
Vaccinations fall into three categories – routine, recommended and required.
Routine
Most of the vaccinations that are routinely administered in childhood require a periodic booster to maintain effective immunity. Pre-travel boosters of childhood vaccinations are recommended for those who have failed to follow the regular schedule during their adult lives. Some older adults who may not have been vaccinated in childhood may need a primary course or immunisation.
Routine vaccinations include:
- Diphtheria/tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Hepatitis B
- HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- Poliomyelitis (IPV)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Recommended
Vaccines are recommended to travellers according to criteria that include the type, length and nature of their itinerary, and the countries to be visited, as well as personal considerations.
Vaccinations which may be recommended include:
- Cholera
- Influenza
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Meningococcal Meningitis
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rabies
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Required
The only vaccination that is mandatory under International Health Regulations is Yellow fever.
However, while vaccination is considered mandatory to protect a country that is vulnerable to importation of the disease, it may also be recommended to protect a traveller visiting areas where there is a risk of infection.
Some countries may require proof of Yellow fever vaccination before a visa will be granted, or as a condition of entry. This condition applies to all travellers who arrive in Australia from a Yellow fever endemic country (including airport transits).
An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is required to denote approved vaccination. Vaccination is only available from approved Yellow fever providers. As Yellow fever is a live vaccine, it should be administered on the same day as other live vaccines.
HAJJ - Vaccination against four strains of meningococcal disease is required by Saudi Arabia for pilgrims visiting Mecca during the Hajj. It may also be required by some countries for returning pilgrims. Proof of vaccination against Meningococcal disease is required by Australian pilgrims applying for a visa.