Victorians planning to travel overseas should ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations and seek travel-specific health advice at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. This includes tourists as well as people visiting friends and family or returning to their country of birth.

Check Routine Vaccinations
Make sure routine vaccinations, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), COVID-19, and influenza, are current. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are required for full protection. Infants aged 6–11 months may receive an early MMR dose if travelling to areas with outbreaks.

Travel-Specific Vaccines
Depending on destination, activities, and length of stay, additional vaccines may be recommended:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Recommended for travellers to countries where these diseases are common.

• Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever: For travel to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.

• Mpox: Not routinely recommended for travel, but available for people meeting eligibility criteria in Victoria who may be at higher risk of exposure abroad. Two doses provide optimal protection.

Measles and Other Global Risks
Measles outbreaks continue worldwide, including in popular destinations such as Indonesia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, and Thailand. Influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections remain common among travellers. Gastrointestinal illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food or water.

After Travel
Anyone who becomes unwell after returning from overseas—such as fever, new rash, or diarrhoea—should seek medical advice promptly.

Accessing Vaccines and Advice

• Visit your GP, travel health clinic, or immunisation provider for personalised advice.

• Vaccination records can be checked online via MyGov through Medicare.

• Some vaccines, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, and typhoid, are available at participating pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

• Mpox vaccines are accessible through designated immunisation providers.

Trusted Resources

• Australian Government Smartraveller website

• Better Health Channel – Travel Immunisation and Disease Information

• Australian Immunisation Handbook – Vaccination for International Travellers

Summary
Travelling overseas exposes Australians to diseases that are uncommon in Australia but prevalent abroad. Being up to date with vaccinations and seeking expert travel health advice is essential to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Better Health Channel, Smartraveller, Australian Immunisation Handbook