Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip, such as:

• measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• influenza vaccine

Japanese encephalitis vaccine

Japanese encephalitis is found in many part of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and China, especially in the wet season

You may need this vaccine if:

• Your trip will last more than a month, depending on where in the country you are going and what time of year you are traveling.
• You plan to spend extended periods in rural areas or will be spending a lot of time outdoors

Schistosomiasis

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is a common, serious infection caused by a parasite found in rivers, streams and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America. The parasite infects people by penetrating their skin then developing in the person’s blood stream.

No vaccine is available. To avoid bilharzia:

• avoid paddling, swimming and washing in fresh water – only swim in the sea or chlorinated swimming pools
• take waterproof trousers and boots with you if there’s a chance you’ll need to cross a stream or river
• boil or filter water before drinking – as the parasites could burrow into your lips or mouth if you drink contaminated water
• avoid medicines sold locally that are advertised to treat or prevent schistosomiasis – these are often either fake, substandard, ineffective or not given at the correct dosage
• don’t rely on assurances from hotels, tourist boards or similar that a particular stretch of water is safe – there have been reports of some organisations downplaying the risks

Travellers diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea affects roughly 20-50% of overseas travellers. It is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. The bacteria that trigger the illness may appear harmless to the local population, usually because they have developed immunity to them. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, cramps, nausea, fevers and diarrhoea.

Tips to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea:

• Avoid contaminated foods such as raw or peeled vegetables, undercooked meats, unpasteurised dairy products and food from street vendors.
• Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water
• Buy bottled water to drink
• Boil tap water for at least 5 minutes before drinking it
• Avoid drinks that contain ice
• Avoid using tap water to wash your fruit and vegetables
• Wash your hands and eat at reputable restaurants.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can damage a person’s lungs or other parts of the body and cause serious illness.

• Avoid exposure to people who have active tuberculosis.
• Only consume pasteurized milk products.
• Travellers at higher risk should be tested for tuberculosis upon their return home.
• There is a vaccine available which confers partial protection. Speak to your doctor to determine if this is recommended.