Australia

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Australia 🇦🇺

Australia is a vast and vibrant country bursting with natural wonders and iconic cities. From spotting kangaroos near Melbourne to snorkeling with sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring the famous Opera House of Sydney or the artsy laneways of Brisbane, every corner offers a new adventure.

While Australia boasts high health and safety standards, it’s still important to prepare, especially when venturing into remote areas or encountering the country’s famous wildlife. With a few smart precautions, including sun protection, up-to-date vaccinations, and insect bite prevention, you’ll be all set to explore the Land Down Under with confidence.

Travel Immunizations for Australia

What vaccines do I need for Australia? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Yellow Fever

Vaccination is not recommended or required
Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and causes chronic infection and liver cancer.

Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.
Very low risk for travelers

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally. Globally, we are starting to see an increase in measles infection.

Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash, fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat, red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies

Rabies is a devastating viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito which can lead to brain infection and paralysis.

Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.
Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Australia Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Australia

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Australia

Excellent healthcare services are available across the country.
Payment at the time of service is expected, even in emergencies.
Ensure travel insurance includes coverage for hospital stays and medical evacuation.

Consular Assistance Australia

Canberra - High Commission of Canada

Street Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT, Australia 2600

Telephone: (61) 2 6270 4000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/australia-australie/canberra.aspx?lang=eng

Sydney - Consulate General of Canada

Street Address: Level 6, Quay West Building, 111 Harrington Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Telephone: 61 (2) 9364-3000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/australia-australie/sydney.aspx?lang=eng

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

Emergency Fire, Police, & Ambulance – 000

What Our Customers Are Saying

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Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN