travel health · 2025 · 2 min read
Travel health: before you go overseas
key points
- Book a travel consult ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, so there is time for vaccines to work.
- Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations, like Yellow Fever, before they let you in.
- Depending on where you are heading, you may need preventive medication for diseases like malaria.
- The consult reviews your vaccination history, any existing conditions, and how to stay safe on your trip.
- Families, children, older travellers, and pregnant travellers all have their own considerations.
What should you sort out before travelling overseas?
Before you go, book a travel health consult so you are informed, protected, and prepared. Ideally do this 4 to 6 weeks before departure, which gives vaccines time to take effect. Whether you are heading to tropical destinations, remote areas, or bustling cities abroad, it is worth protecting your health before you leave.
As a General Practitioner, I offer comprehensive travel medicine consultations tailored to your destination, travel plans, and individual health needs.
Why a travel health consult matters
Travel can expose you to health risks that aren't common in Australia. A travel health consult reviews your vaccination history, assesses any pre-existing medical conditions, and gives you advice on how to stay safe during your trip.
Many countries require proof of certain vaccinations, like Yellow Fever, for entry. In other cases, preventive medications for diseases like malaria may be necessary depending on where you are going.
What the consult covers
My services include:
- Pre-travel health consultations
- Vaccination reviews and updates (e.g. Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, MMR, Influenza)
- Malaria prevention and medication
- Travel health advice for families, children, elderly, and pregnant travellers
- Medical kits and prescription planning
- Post-travel illness assessments
Don't leave your health to chance. Book a travel consult (ideally 4 to 6 weeks) before departure for maximum protection. Safe travel starts with smart preparation, and that includes your health.
Useful resources
- Smart Traveller: a guide for all Australians before any travel.
- Healthy Travel: A Pocket Guide for Seniors
Dr Ahmed Al-Obaidi · FRACGP
General information only, not personal medical advice. Talk to your own GP about what suits you.