Travel Vaccinations in Point Cook

Book 6 to 12 weeks ahead

Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor at least 6 weeks, and preferably 12 weeks, before you leave. Several travel vaccines need more than one dose, and your immune system needs time to respond. Faster schedules exist for hepatitis B and the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, but people who use them need another dose about a year later.

A last-minute visit is still worth making, since some protection and practical advice can be arranged at short notice.

Vaccines often discussed

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the following for travellers at risk:

• Hepatitis A: for travellers aged 1 and over heading to moderately or highly endemic countries, which includes all developing countries
• Hepatitis B: for long-term or frequent travellers to Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania
• Typhoid: may be recommended from age 2 for the Indian subcontinent, most of Southeast Asia and several South Pacific nations, including Papua New Guinea
• Japanese encephalitis: for stays of a month or more in endemic parts of Asia or Papua New Guinea during the transmission season
• Rabies: considered before travel, based on likely animal contact and access to care if bitten

Most travellers do not need a cholera vaccine.

Routine vaccines still count

Young adults who missed a measles dose are behind most measles outbreaks in Australia, as they bring the virus home. Anyone born during or since 1966 who has not had two doses should ask about a measles vaccine. A diphtheria and tetanus booster is due if your last was more than 10 years ago, and a flu vaccine is worth considering, especially if your destination is in its flu season. The immunisation page covers routine adult vaccines.

Yellow fever and certificates

Point Cook Doctors is an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, so the yellow fever vaccine can be given here along with the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis that some countries ask to see. It must be given at least 10 days before departure. The Yellow Fever Vaccine fee is $160 in total, with no Medicare rebate.

Costs of travel vaccinations in Point Cook

Most travel vaccines are not covered by the National Immunisation Program, so you pay for the vaccine itself. Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Yellow fever is the only travel vaccine with a set fee on Patient Info and Fees. For the others, reception can confirm the cost before your appointment.

What to bring

• your full itinerary, including stopovers and rural stays
• any vaccination records, or your Australian Immunisation Register statement
• a list of your medicines and allergies
• whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy

It also helps to read the health section of each Smartraveller destination page before you come in.

Common questions