Travel Health & Vaccinations

Your Pre-Trip Medical Checklist

Planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect your health when travelling. While we can’t offer medical advice, we can help point you in the right direction with a few general reminders and a handy resource link.

Start with research
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to do a bit of reading about your destination. Some countries may have specific vaccination recommendations or health precautions. A great place to start is this helpful website:
👉 Travelvax Australia – Holiday Traveller Vaccinations

You can also do your own online search to see what might apply to the regions you're visiting.

Plan a visit to your doctor
If there’s any uncertainty about what’s needed for your trip, don’t leave it to chance — check in with your GP or a travel clinic. We recommend doing this at least 90 days (sooner is better) before you depart, as some vaccinations may require multiple doses over time to be effective.

During your appointment, it’s not just vaccinations to think about. Ask about:

• Any prescription medications you might need while you’re away
• Any preventative medications recommended for the region (such as for altitude, malaria, or travellers’ diarrhoea)
• Copies of your scripts — in some countries, it’s not only helpful but sometimes necessary to carry proof that your medications have been officially prescribed by a medical professional. Having documentation with you can help avoid complications at border checks or while travelling through customs.

Check medication rules for your destination
Medication laws vary widely between countries. A prescription that’s perfectly legal in Australia could be considered a controlled or restricted substance elsewhere. In some cases, carrying certain medications without proper documentation can lead to serious consequences, including fines or confiscation.

Before you travel, it’s important to check the regulations for your destination. Use official sources such as the country’s embassy, consulate, or customs authority to confirm what’s permitted and whether any paperwork is required to carry your medications legally.