A vaccine specialist will assess your current vaccine status, and determine what vaccines you will require given a number of factors around your Australasia and the Pacific Islands trip. The vaccine specialist will discuss country-specific medications (such as anti-malarial medication) that you might want to consider taking with you. First, the vaccine specialist will want to ensure you are up to date with routine vaccinations and you may also need to get some extra vaccinations, which he/she will advise you on during your vaccine consultation.
We will run through with you what medicines/vaccines you will need for your Australasia/Pacific Islands trip. These recommendations will be based on:
- The duration of your intended visit
- Where you plan to go
- What you plan to do when in the country/on the islands
- If you are travelling there from outside of Britain
As Australasia and the Pacific Islands have different vaccine requirements for each country/island, additional vaccines may also be required, such as typhoid, depending on which country you intend to visit. The doctor will discuss this with you during your vaccine consultation.
What routine vaccines are needed?
Australasia and the Pacific Islands hold a risk for hepatitis A infection.
Hepatitis A: The CDC recommends the hepatitis A vaccine, as, no matter where you plan to stay or what you plan to eat, hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food and water when you are in Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
Depending on which country/island you are going to and what you will be doing whilst there, some additional vaccines may also be necessary:
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus, diphtheria & polio
- Rabies
- Japanese encephalitis
Information on additional vaccines
In addition to hepatitis A, the following vaccinations may be required:
Hepatitis B: You can contract hepatitis B from blood/blood products, sexual contacts or from contaminated needles. If you are planning on having sex with a new sexual partner, getting a tattoo/piercing or undergoing certain medical treatments/procedures then the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
Typhoid: The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine as typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food and water, especially if you are slightly more adventurous with your diet, are visiting smaller Australasian/Pacific Island towns/cities, or staying with friends/relatives.
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio: This triple vaccine protects against all three health issues. Diphtheria is transmitted via personal contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated bed linen, clothing etc. Tetanus spores live in the soil and tetanus is caused by contaminated wounds. Polio is transmitted via the oral or faecal/oral route.
Rabies: Rabies is found in dogs, bats and other mammals in Australasia/the Pacific Islands. You should have the rabies vaccine if you are in any way at risk from animal bites during your stay:
- Are you going to be involved in outdoor/other activities (biking, caving, camping, hiking, adventure travel)?
- Will you be working around and/or directly with animals (e.g. researchers, vets, wildlife professionals)?
- Are you taking a long trip or moving permanently to the country?
- Are you more likely to receive neck/head animal bites (e.g. children)?
Japanese encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause a swelling of the brain leading to permanent brain damage, disability and even death. Initially, flu-like symptoms may occur, and this can progress to brain swelling with symptoms such as confusion, a high fever, convulsions, neck stiffness and then paralysis.
For your same-day vaccination consultation, call the clinic or make your booking online.
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