Travel Safely: Why Travel Vaccinations Are Essential for Your Next Trip
Travel is an exciting adventure—whether you’re exploring new cultures, enjoying a beach getaway, or heading off on a business trip. It opens up endless possibilities, but with adventure comes responsibility. Staying healthy while travelling is just as important as packing your passport.
Getting the right vaccinations is one of the most crucial steps in travel preparation. Many destinations have a higher risk of infectious diseases, and without protection, you could face serious health risks.
At Bentleigh Doctors, we offer comprehensive travel vaccinations, including:
✔ Yellow fever
✔ Hepatitis A & B
✔ Japanese encephalitis (JE)
✔ Typhoid
✔ Rabies
✔ Malaria prophylaxis
With the right vaccinations, you can travel safely and enjoy your journey without worry.
Why Travel Vaccinations Matter
When you travel, your body is exposed to new bacteria, viruses, and parasites that your immune system may not recognise. Some diseases that are rare in Australia are common overseas, especially in regions with different sanitation standards or climates.
A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine highlights how many preventable diseases remain a significant risk for travellers (PubMed).
Some countries also require proof of vaccination for entry, including:
✔ Yellow fever – Mandatory for travel to parts of South America and Africa.
✔ Hepatitis A & B – Strongly recommended for regions with poor sanitation.
✔ Japanese encephalitis (JE) – Important for travellers visiting rural or high-risk areas in Asia.
Vaccinations not only protect you but also help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to local communities and your family when you return home.
Essential Travel Vaccines & Preventative Medications
At Bentleigh Doctors, we provide vaccinations tailored to your destination, activities, and medical history. Below are the key vaccines recommended for travellers:
1. Yellow Fever Vaccine
✔ Required for travel to South America and Africa.
✔ Protects against a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe fever, liver damage, and even death.
✔ A vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into some countries.
2. Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
✔ Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and is common in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
✔ Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood and bodily fluids, posing a higher risk to long-term travellers and those engaging in medical or adventure activities.
3. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine
✔ A mosquito-borne virus found in Asia and the Western Pacific.
✔ Recommended for travellers visiting rural areas, farms, or monsoon-prone regions.
4. Typhoid Vaccine
✔ Protects against typhoid fever, a serious bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water.
✔ Essential for travel to South Asia, Africa, and South America, where sanitation may be a concern.
5. Rabies Vaccine
✔ Rabies spreads through animal bites and scratches. It is a high risk in Asia, Africa, and Central America.
✔ Recommended for travellers engaging in outdoor activities, animal handling, or visiting remote areas where immediate medical care may be unavailable.
6. Malaria Prophylaxis
✔ Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical regions.
✔ While no vaccine exists, anti-malarial medication can prevent infection.
✔ Recommended for travelers visiting high-risk areas in Africa, Asia, and South America.
When Should You Get Travel Vaccinations?
💡 Plan ahead! The best time to visit a travel vaccination clinic is at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
✔ Some vaccines require multiple doses or take time to build immunity.
✔ Last-minute travellers can still benefit—our GPs can provide fast-track protection where possible.
Extra Travel Health Tips
Along with vaccinations, these simple precautions can help you stay healthy while travelling:
✔ Drink bottled or purified water – Avoid tap water in high-risk areas.
✔ Eat hot, freshly cooked food – Avoid raw or undercooked meals.
✔ Use insect repellent & mosquito nets – Prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria.
✔ Carry a first-aid kit – Include essential medications, antiseptics, and pain relief.
✔ Consider travel insurance – Cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations.
More travel health tips available at Better Health Victoria.
Why Choose Bentleigh Doctors for Travel Vaccinations?
At Bentleigh Doctors, we offer expert travel health advice and comprehensive vaccinations to keep you protected on your journey.
✔ Yellow fever-certified travel vaccination clinic
✔ Personalized recommendations based on your destination & activities
✔ Expert guidance on malaria prevention & travel health risks
✔ Convenient location in Bentleigh, VIC
✔ Easy online booking & flexible appointments
Book Your Travel Vaccinations Today!
✈️ Travel is one of life’s greatest joys—but staying healthy is part of the adventure.
Let Bentleigh Doctors help you travel with confidence.
📅 Book your appointment today!
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