Travel vaccines

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually caused by infected food or water. It can cause sudden diarrhoea and severe dehydration.

The cholera vaccine is recommended for eligible children and high-risk adults who are travelling to areas where there is a high likelihood of exposure to cholera.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause mild to severe illness. As Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, it is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases caught by travellers.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended based on age, health, occupation, travel and lifestyle.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. Hepatitis B vaccination is suitable for infants, children, adolescents and at-risk adults. Each age group has a different recommended dosage schedule.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by an infectious mosquito bite and can be deadly. JE can cause headaches, fever, convulsions, neurological problems and lower levels of consciousness. Vaccination is recommended for anyone spending one month or more in areas with Japanese encephalitis.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It is most common in children but can also affect adults. The measles vaccine is recommended for eligible children and anyone born during or since 1966 who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine.

Meningococcal disease is contagious and can sometimes turn into a medical emergency. Meningococcal bacteria can spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing food and drink and kissing. Vaccination is your best protection against meningococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death among Australian children under two years of age and persons over 85 years of age. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for eligible infants, children and adults.

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium found in soil. When tetanus enters a wound it can cause lockjaw, difficulty swallowing, stiffness, pain and spasms. The tetanus vaccine is recommended as a routine vaccination in infants, children and adolescents and as routine booster vaccination in adults.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that most commonly presents in the lungs. It can cause cough, fever, fatigue, weight loss and coughing up blood. The TB vaccine is recommended for children aged five or under who are travelling a lot or spending a long time in countries where TB is common.

Typhoid is a disease spread when an infected person does not carefully wash their hands and through contaminated food and water. Typhoid causes diarrhoea, fever, constipation, abdominal pain and other symptoms. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for children aged two years and older and adults who are travelling in areas where typhoid fever is common.