Travel vaccinations for children

In these times of increasing recreational travel and postings overseas, children require the maximum vaccination protection that can be offered for their age.

• The first priority is that the scheduled infant vaccinations be given at the normal times.
• Make sure that the proper records of these have been made, including the vaccine brands and batch numbers.
• With some vaccines, the brand can’t be altered during the primary immunisation course, although it generally can be for later booster doses.
• Some vaccines are compulsory to enter and exit a country (such as  Yellow Fever) and some are recommended for your own protection (such as Hepatitis A).

Other than this, it depends very much on destination and what activities the family is likely to be doing.  Your children’s and your own health history is also important when assessing risk - age, medications, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions need to be considered.

For a full breakdown of recommended vaccinations by age and destination, visit The Australian Immunisation Handbook 

Useful advice on making the process with children stress-free can be found at The Travel Doctor
 

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine, October 2000. Updated July 2009.