Vaccinations, disease and malaria advice for your chosen destination:

Australia (Australasia)

Includes the following destination: Tasmania

Immunisations Malaria News

Advice for All Destinations

The risks to health whilst travelling will vary between individuals and many issues need to be taken into account, e.g. activities abroad, length of stay and general health of the traveller. It is recommended that you consult with your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. They will assess your particular health risks before recommending vaccines and /or antimalarial tablets. This is also a good opportunity to discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water, accidents, sun exposure and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken.

Measles occurs worldwide and is common in developing countries. The pre-travel consultation is a good opportunity to check that you are immune, either by previous immunisation (2 doses) or natural measles infection.

Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. UK travellers visiting other European Union countries should also carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it entitles travellers to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries. Online applications normally arrive within seven days. Applications may also be made by telephone on 0845 606 2030 or by post using the form which can be downloaded from the website.

For Travel Safety Advice you should visit the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

A worldwide list of clinics, run by members of the International Society of Travel Medicine is availble on the ISTM website.

Immunisations

  • Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
  • Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
  • Other vaccines to consider: tetanus; Japanese encephalitis.
  • Yellow fever certificate required if over 1 year old when entering Australia within 6 days of having stayed overnight or longer in an area with risk of yellow fever transmission
  • Note (28/03/11): Pertussis (whooping cough) in Australia - Health Protection Scotland has received enquiries regarding travellers to Australia and the possible need for pertussis vaccine. There have been large outbreaks of pertussis in Australia over the last 3-5 years. Travellers have become concerned either because of risk of contracting pertussis themselves or because, if infected, they may put very young children who are too young to be vaccinated at risk (e.g. grandparents visiting new grandchildren). Adult boosters of pertussis vaccine are not recommeded for the UK. Further information and clarification.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

  • Tetanus is contracted through dirty cuts and scratches. This is a serious infection of the nervous system. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life in the UK. Tetanus vaccine is usually recommended for travellers who will be in a country or situation where the correct treatment of a tetanus prone injury may not be readily available. 
  • Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes. It is a serious infection of the brain and vaccination is advised for those in risk areas unable to avoid mosquito bites, staying for long periods (e.g. more than 4 weeks) or visiting rural areas.

Malaria

  • Malaria not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

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