Travel Vaccinations Q & A with Dr Joe Pollak

• Vietnam
• South America
• Thailand
• Kenya
• India
• Bali, Indonesia

General recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever which are food and water vaccines.

Others may be relevant once the doctor sees you and discusses your specific itinerary, the duration of your stay, the intended activities as well as your past medical and vaccination history and any current medication.

Vietnam, Bali and Thailand are popular destinations for luxury resort holidays.

When booking into a 5 star resort it still carries risks as if you were staying within a backpacker’s hostel. Most illnesses contracted in developing countries are not discriminating. All travellers may be affected.

Food and water vaccines such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever are strongly recommended.

Four to six weeks before travel is generally recommended to get your travel vaccinations.

However, if you are going on a last-minute trip do not hesitate to get vaccinations and medical advice before you go.

Believe it or not we have had some patients check in on route to the airport!

The Zika Virus has been a common concern with recent media attention. There is no vaccination available for the Zika Virus however there are ways to protect yourself so it’s always best to book in to discuss your itinerary to get specific medical advice on how to keep safe. We also recommend travellers to use insect repellent spray with no more than 20-50% DEET e.g. RID or Bushman’s which you can buy at most chemists.

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The World Health Organisation monitors reports of Yellow Fever and it is considered an epidemic in 29 African and 13 Central and South American Countries. Travellers that are 9 months and older are required to provide an International Vaccination Certificate before arriving into Australia if they have been to a Yellow Fever Declared Country. Yellow Fever is a live vaccine and only some Doctors are registered with NSW Health Department to administer this vaccine.

At the Travel Vaccination Clinic, we have the vaccinations and medical kits in stock immediately available on site therefore everything you need is given within your appointment. The Travel Vaccination Clinic has travel medicine to meet every person’s individual itinerary.

Most travel vaccines are temperature sensitive for their effectiveness. For this reason, we maintain in house supply with strict temperature control of vaccines to ensure their efficacy.

Go to your nearest hospital straight away or call our clinic if geographically more convenient.

Not infrequently travellers to developing countries that stay in high end hotels and encounter illness from simply having ice in their drinks (including cocktails!).

Ice is made from local tap water and some organisms survive below on zero or below zero degree temperatures.

It’s always best to see your doctor for medical advice to learn other ways to keep safe and healthy on your travels if you're unable to have the recommended vaccinations.

Attend the nearest hospital for assessment and management.