Stay up to date with vaccinations

​​​​Vaccination is important to protect you against diseases.

You should be up to date with all routine vaccinations on the NSW immunisation schedule.

Reducing your risk while overseas

Some travel associated diseases can be prevented by vaccination.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your travel plans early so they can give advice. This is because vaccines take some time (usually 2-4 weeks, but up to 6-8 weeks for some vaccines) to provide protection.
• Check what vaccines are recommended for certain areas or travellers. This includes vaccines against typhoid, hepatitis A or rabies. You may also need yellow fever and polio vaccinations, or proof of immunity, for travel to or from certain countries.
• Check if booster doses of any routine vaccinations are recommended before you travel. This includes diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
• Check you have received two doses of the measles vaccine if you were born during or after 1966. If you haven’t, get vaccinated before you travel – the vaccine is free in NSW but some providers may charge a fee for consultation or to administer the vaccine.
• Discuss travel plans with your GP if your child is aged 6-18 months and is going to areas at high risk for measles. The measles vaccine schedule can be adjusted
• If you are travelling to the northern hemisphere during their winter flu season (usually October to May) you can receive a second flu shot within the same year. Read the Australian Government’s Immunisation Handbook for current flu vaccination recommendations.
  
• Check you are up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for all overseas travel.
  
• If you are travelling with a child under 5 years old to a country where TB is common​, your child should get the BCG vaccine. Apply for the BCG vaccine here​.
  
• Get your mandatory meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccinations as a pilgrim to the Hajj.

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