Travel Medicine: What You Need Before You Leave Australia
Heading overseas? FMP GPs explain which vaccines and medications you need, how far in advance to book, and what a travel medicine consultation covers — so you can leave the Shire prepared.
Seeing a travel medicine GP before an overseas trip is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. The advice, vaccines, and medications you need depend on where you are going, how long you will be there, and your personal health history.
What is travel medicine?
Travel medicine is a branch of medicine focused on preventing and managing health risks associated with international travel. A travel medicine consultation covers destination-specific disease risks, recommended and required vaccinations, preventive medications such as antimalarials, and advice on food and water safety, altitude sickness, and insect bite prevention.
How far in advance should I book a travel medicine appointment?
Book at least six to eight weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks to reach full effectiveness. Leaving it too late may mean incomplete protection or no access to certain vaccines at all. For last-minute travel within two weeks of departure, a GP can still help prioritise what is most important and provide medications you can take from day one.
What vaccines might I need for overseas travel?
Required and recommended vaccines depend on your destination:
Your GP will cross-check your existing immunisation history against the recommended schedule for your specific itinerary.
Do I need malaria tablets?
Malaria prevention depends on your destination. Countries with malaria risk include parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central and South America. The most common options prescribed in Australia are atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), taken daily from two days before travel; doxycycline, also taken daily with additional antibiotic benefits; and mefloquine, taken weekly starting three weeks before travel and not suitable for everyone. The right choice depends on your destination, trip length, medical history, and current medications.
What else does a travel medicine consultation cover?
Beyond vaccines and antimalarials, a travel medicine GP will advise on travellers' diarrhoea including when to carry antibiotics, altitude sickness medications like acetazolamide for high-altitude destinations, insect bite prevention using DEET and permethrin-treated clothing for dengue and Zika risk areas, and travelling with chronic conditions including medication supply and documentation.
Which destinations require Yellow Fever vaccination for entry?
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Countries including Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mali, and Sierra Leone currently require it. Some countries also require proof of vaccination if you are transiting through an endemic country. Requirements change, so always check the Australian Government's Smartraveller website before travel.
FAQ: Travel Medicine
Can my regular GP help with travel medicine, or do I need a specialist?
Your regular GP can provide travel medicine advice and prescribe most travel vaccines and medications. GPs with an interest in travel medicine, are well-placed to provide a thorough pre-travel consultation without a specialist referral.
How much does a travel medicine consultation cost?
Travel medicine consultations are billed as standard GP appointments with Medicare rebates available. Some travel vaccines are funded through the NIP for eligible patients. Others are purchased privately. Your GP will explain expected costs.
Can I travel with a chronic condition?
Most people with chronic conditions can travel safely with good planning. A travel medicine GP will review your condition, ensure adequate medication supply, prepare documentation, and flag destination-specific risks relevant to your health.
What if I'm travelling in less than two weeks?
Book as soon as possible. A GP can prioritise the most critical vaccines and medications for your destination even on short notice.
Planning a trip? Book a travel medicine consultation at Family Medical Practices in Kirrawee. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday. Same-day bookings are available for urgent pre-travel needs.
