Booking flights is exciting, but the right vaccines can take longer to sort out than most people expect. If you are wondering how long before travel to get vaccines, the short answer is at least six weeks, and preferably twelve. Some vaccines need more than one dose, some take weeks to work, and a few countries ask for proof before you can enter. This guide explains the recommended timing, what your GP will ask, and what to do if your trip is sooner than you planned.
Key Takeaways
- See your doctor at least 6 weeks, and preferably 12 weeks, before you leave Australia.
- Some travel vaccines take 6 to 8 weeks to work or need several doses.
- Yellow fever vaccination must be given at least 10 days before travel, and some countries require a certificate.
- Routine vaccines such as measles, flu and whooping cough may also need a booster before you go.
- Some travel vaccines are not covered by the National Immunisation Program.
How long before travel to get vaccines
According to healthdirect’s travel vaccinations guide, you should see your doctor at least 6 weeks, and preferably 12 weeks, before you leave Australia. That gives your immune system time to respond to any vaccines you need, and leaves room for vaccines that need more than one dose.
Smartraveller’s advice on avoiding infectious disease makes the same point: some vaccines take 6 to 8 weeks to work or need several doses, so get them well before you go. Starting early matters most if you need a multi-dose course spread over several weeks.
A good rule of thumb is to book your travel medicine consultation as soon as your destination and dates are confirmed, even if departure feels a long way off.
What your GP will consider
Working out which vaccines you need starts with your itinerary, because health risks vary from region to region and new outbreaks can appear over time. Healthdirect says your doctor will take into account:
- your age and vaccination history
- whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- any past or present illnesses, and your general health
- the season you are travelling in
- your destinations, length of stay and type of travel.
People who are pregnant, babies and young children, older people and those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of infection when travelling, so planning ahead matters even more for them. If you are expecting, raise your travel plans as part of your antenatal and pregnancy care. Dr Reda Aboelsaad’s listed interests include travel medicine, and you can read about all our doctors on our team page.
Routine boosters and travel-specific vaccines
Travel is a good prompt to check your routine vaccinations are up to date. Healthdirect lists measles, mumps and rubella; flu; chickenpox; polio; and diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Immunity to some diseases reduces with time, so you may need a booster even if you were vaccinated as a child. Related services at Harpley Doctors include the flu vaccine, whooping cough vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination.
Depending on where you are going, you may also need vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis A or B, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, tuberculosis, meningococcal disease, Japanese encephalitis or rabies. Your GP will advise which, if any, apply to your trip. For other things to sort out before you go, see our travel health checklist.
Planning a trip overseas? Book a travel medicine appointment with one of our GPs at least six weeks before you fly, so there is time for every dose you need.
Yellow fever and proof of vaccination
Some countries ask for an international yellow fever vaccination certificate if you arrive from, transit through, or have recently been in an area where yellow fever is present. Smartraveller notes that your airline can stop you boarding without one, that the vaccine should be given at an approved clinic, and that you need it at least 10 days before you travel. The clinic gives you the certificate.
Harpley Doctors is an approved yellow fever vaccination centre. Rules on proof of vaccination vary by country, so check with your destination’s embassy or consulate in Australia as well as with your GP.
Vaccine costs
Many vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for people with Medicare, but some travel vaccines are not covered and need to be bought. All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors are bulk billed.
Practice policies are on our patient information and fees page.
What if you are leaving soon?
If your trip is only a few weeks away, still book in, and your GP can advise what is possible in the time you have. Harpley Doctors is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and weekends from 9 am to 5 pm, which makes it easier to fit an appointment in before you leave. You can book online through HealthEngine or call (03) 8731 1330, and walk-ins are always welcome. To take the stress out of the last few weeks, put the appointment in your diary when you book your flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel vaccines if I was vaccinated as a child?
Possibly. Immunity to some diseases reduces over time, so you may need a booster. Your GP can check your history and advise what is recommended for your destination.
Are travel vaccines free?
Some routine vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program, but some travel vaccines are not covered and must be paid for.
What side effects can travel vaccines cause?
Healthdirect says side effects are usually minor and go away within a few days. Common ones are fever, redness, pain or tenderness where the injection was given, and headache. Plan to stay for at least 15 minutes after any vaccine, as recommended by the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
How do I get a record of my vaccinations?
If you have Medicare, your vaccines are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register. You can get a statement through your myGov account or ask your doctor. Our immunisation service page has more on the vaccines we offer.
Give yourself time to travel well. Book your travel vaccine appointment at Harpley Doctors, online through HealthEngine or by phone.