TRAVEL WELL – BEFORE, DURING AND EVEN AFTER YOUR TRIP
If you have ever been unwell while travelling. you’ll know how it can ruin the whole experience.
When it comes to travel health, prevention is critical. Did you know that overseas travellers have up to a 50% chance of suffering a travel-related illness?
Our aim is to ensure that you have a safe and healthy journey. Our experienced doctors provide a complete travel health service both before you go and when you return.
Whilst it is never too late to plan for a healthy trip, ideally you should have an appointment at least 4 – 6 weeks before your departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses that must be spaced out over time.
Most vaccinations take a few weeks to give you the necessary protection. Yellow Fever should be given 10 days prior to entering a country that requires this certification.
RESOURCES
Pre-travel
Pre-Travel
Tailored advice depending on the places you will visit, the type of accommodation, length of stay and your own health condition.
Before you travel, see your GP at least six weeks before you leave.
Our GPs will advise you about vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before your departure date. The vaccines you need will vary depending on your health and your exact itinerary; for example, where you’re going, how long you’re going for, the season you’re travelling in, what kinds of transportation you’ll be using, where you’re staying and what you’ll be eating. People at higher risk of developing travel related illness include pregnant women, children, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Different countries can have infectious diseases that aren’t present or very common in Australia. Before you travel, it’s important to have the right vaccinations to prevent you from becoming ill while you’re away. Depending on where you’re planning to go, you may need one or more vaccinations before you travel.
Our experience travel doctors have access to global information networks which are continuously monitoring potential international health risks.
Before travelling make sure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal. In some cases, you may need booster doses of childhood vaccinations to make sure you still have immunity to these diseases. Some diseases are endemic (always present) in certain areas/countries so the need for vaccinations for these places is routine. Other diseases come and go and this is why the vaccination requirements can vary country to country, season to season, year to year.
You may need to be vaccinated for certain diseases as a condition of entry to some countries so it’s a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you’re visiting or travelling through before you go.
Not all illnesses can be prevented through vaccination and you may need to take other measures to prevent illness. Find out whether tap water is safe before your go. If you can catch mosquito borne disease in the area you are travelling to (eg in the tropics) take measures to avoid being bitten. Talk to your doctor about what else you can do to help prevent these diseases.
Appointments
Appointments
Appointments are essential
Make your appointment at least 4 weeks prior to departure. When booking your appointment please advise the receptionist of your travel destination. There is a non-refundable booking fee required at the time of booking which will be deducted from your account.
Your initial appointment will require a long consultation (approx. 30 minutes) with the Doctor. In some instances a shorter (15 minutes) is necessary.
What should you bring to your appointment?
- If you are a new client to the clinic please bring past vaccination records
- Your trip itinerary
- Names of any medication you take regularly or intermittently
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
All travel vaccinations are available immediately from our clinic at competitive prices.
We can supply a Travel Vaccination Booklet for recording all your vaccinations.
We offer vaccinations against:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever*
Our Travel Clinic is a government-approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. If you require this vaccination your booklet will be officially stamped and must be taken overseas with you.
Before travelling make sure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal.
In some cases, you may need booster doses of childhood vaccinations to make sure you still have immunity to these diseases.
*Some diseases are endemic (always present) in certain areas/countries so the need for vaccinations for these places is routine. Other diseases come and go and this is why the vaccination requirements can vary country to country, season to season, year to year.
Can vaccinations cause any reactions?
Reactions are uncommon. If a reaction occurs it is usually localised such as minor arm swelling or soreness. Specific information may be provided by the Clinic on each of the vaccines and the possible side-effects you may experience.
Please inform your Doctor if you have any allergies or have experienced ny reaction to vaccinations in the past. On the day of the vaccination you should be able to do all your usual activities but it is best to take it easy. Modern vaccines do not leave a scar.
Medications
Medications
Bites, stings and other things……
What medications do I need to take with me?
Our doctors can provide you with prescriptions for all the medications appropriate for your trip. These may include tablets against Malaria as well as those to manage problems that may occur such as vomiting, diarrhoea and jet lag.
Is that allowed in that country?
The Travel Vaccination Booklet includes an authorisation to carry all Medications.
Will you be diving while away?
If you are planning to dive while overseas please ensure you have an up-to-date diving medical certificate. We can assist you here.
Post Travel
Post Travel
Do I really need a post travel health check when I return?
You should have a post-travel check-up if you are suffering any of the following conditions within a few months of your return from overseas.
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Dark coloured urine
- Skin rashes or lumps
- Persistent cough
- Head aches
- Joint pains
Fevers: Fevers can be particularly serious if you have visited a malaria prone country, even if you had taken malaria prevention medication.
Tropical diseases and parasite infestations are best treated early. Some can be fatal if left untreated.
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
When venturing off home turf the giddy sensation of freedom is wonderful, however observing some very basic rules will ensure that you enjoy a relaxing and safe trip. Remember to follow the same basic safety techniques you use every day and:
- Check your luggage limit with your airline. If you exceed the limit, chances are you will be charged extra!
- Ensure you bring enough medication and a letter from your GP if required
- Carry valuables, such as jewellery, cameras, medications, money, traveller’s cheques, travel documents, and a change of clothes in your carry on luggage in case your checked luggage is damaged, lost or stolen.
- Label all bags with your name, address and phone number, using secure locks (and where appropriate have your luggage cling wrapped)
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings; watch the crowd
- Store you passport and travel documents in safe deposit keeping ALWAYS make copies of your travel itinerary; leaving one copy at home, and another separate from your luggage
- Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses. If it does not, consider travel insurance
- Familiarise yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws
- Register your contact details with your local embassy for them to be able to contact you in an emergency
- Don’t leave your drink unattended
- Wash your hands frequently – hand sanitiser is a great asset
- Invest in a money belt to wear under your clothes
- Jet Lag – if flying West to East stay out of the sun until a day after your arrival
- If flying East to West, go for a brisk walk upon arrival
- Scuba Diving – underwater is another world of extra ordinary creatures and things; make sure the company you choose is affiliated
- Most importantly have a fun relaxing trip whilst staying safe!
- Check whether a visa is required for the country you are visiting or transiting through
- For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website
TRAVEL AGENTS
Our Clinic is dedicated to the promotion of healthy and safe travel for your clients.
As more travellers venture into less developed parts of the world you can improve the service you offer your clients by referring them to our Travel Clinic.
Our fully qualified Travel Medicine Practitioners will provide your clients with up-to-date information about the specific needs for their destination.