Before leaving for a trip out of the country, it’s important to get the necessary travelling vaccines. This is why you really need to get travel advice before your trip begins, and here at Your Health Griffith, we can take care of this for you.

 

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all travellers visit a doctor before leaving the country, especially if travelling to an area where infectious diseases are present. Here’s why;

• Getting sick out of country is expensive!

• If you get sick, you pose a threat to yourself, to other travellers and to locals.

• Bringing back an exotic infection will endanger the health of your family, your friends, your coworkers, and people in your local community.

• Falling ill on a trip is no fun! We would like you to enjoy your trip while keeping yourself and others safe.
   

Many countries will also require you to have certain vaccinations before you enter the country, and this may be critical if you need to get a visa. Many nations now require proof of your immunisations in order to protect the health of their people, so if you don’t have proof of vaccination, you may be required to return home at your own expense.

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As well as being able to administer routine travel vaccines, Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, Your Health Griffith is an accredited Q Fever Vaccination Centre and Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.

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Do I Really Need Travel Vaccines?

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Prevention is always the best plan when it comes to treating illnesses, so travel vaccines are highly recommended. Rubella, polio and smallpox and other infections have been nearly eradicated with the help of vaccinations. However, there are many illnesses which are uncommon here in Australia, but a serious risk elsewhere – you may never have been vaccinated against these in the past.

Getting sick while travelling can hit your health, your peace of mind and your wallet. Many of the common travel illnesses are in fact preventable through vaccination! Your travel vaccination needs will vary depending on what country you are going to. 

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Having the right travel vaccinations will protect you against deadly diseases. Although it’s possible to treat some diseases and recover, it’s always worth remembering that some countries have sparse healthcare facilities. Additionally, some diseases are fast-acting and have a poor record for cures. To ensure we provide you with the right information and immunisations, always come to your appointment with a detailed list of your plans.

 

Which Travel Vaccinations Do I Need?

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Most countries do not have set travel vaccination requirements to get through customs, but travel vaccinations are still recommended. Bring in a detailed travel itinerary, and the nurse can advise on which travel vaccinations you need depending on where you’re staying and travelling. You may also need medication to prevent or treat malaria or travellers diarrhoea. 

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The Australian Government has set up a travel advisory website called www.smartraveller.gov.au. Under “Travel Advice”, click the country you will be travelling to and read the “Health” tab for information on infectious diseases – this can guide you as to which travel vaccinations you may need.

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Q Fever 

 

Q fever is a severe, acute febrile illness, which is a major problem in Australia and around the world. It is a disease which is spread from animals to humans.  Cattle, sheep and goats are the main reservoirs for infection in humans. Q fever is principally an occupational infection particularly for workers in the livestock rearing and meat processing industries and in their dependent trades. 

 

Q Fever appointments can only be booked with certain clinicians so please ring the practice by phone if you intend to make an appointment.

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Yellow Fever
 

Yellow fever is a viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people will get better after these initial symptoms. However, after 24 to 48 hours when the fever and symptoms appear to settle, there can be a second phase of illness with high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver inflammation), internal bleeding and in some cases death. The death rate is up to 50%.

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There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Thus Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended for all travellers who are 9 months of age or older visiting areas where there is a risk of yellow fever. Many countries including Australia require evidence of vaccination. Please check the requirements of the countries you are visiting prior to departure and talk to your doctor.

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Yellow Fever appointments can only be booked with certain clinicians so please ring the practice by phone if you intend to make an appointment.

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For further enquiries please call Your Health Griffith (02) 69627661