Your Child’s Travel Vaccines: What They Need and When

Travelling overseas with kids is an exciting adventure! It’s also a time to be extra mindful of your child’s health. Travel vaccinations protect against diseases that aren't common in Australia but may pose serious risks elsewhere. This guide walks you through which vaccines your child may need, when to get them, and how to make the experience smooth and stress-free.

1. Why Travel Vaccines Matter

In many parts of the world, diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Japanese Encephalitis are more common. While they may not be on your radar at home, they can be dangerous abroad, especially for young children. Travel vaccines are designed to reduce your child’s risk and keep the whole trip on track.

2. What Vaccines Do Kids Need?

For each child, recommendations will vary. This depends on your destination, your child’s age, they type of activities and how long you'll be staying.

Common travel vaccines for children may include:

• BCG (for Tuberculosis): Often recommended for children from birth to 6 years of age travelling to high TB areas (like South Asia or Africa).

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most kids from age 1, travelling to Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

• Typhoid: Available from age 2. Especially important for trips to India, Indonesia, or rural areas in developing countries.

• Yellow Fever: Required for some African and South American countries. Available from 9 months of age.

• Japanese Encephalitis (JE): Recommended if staying in rural Asia or Southeast Asia, especially during the rainy season.

• Measles: Extra dose recommended for infants 6-11 months

• Rabies: Destinations where your child might have close contact with animals, such as wildlife parks, farms, or areas with stray dogs or monkeys

Don't forget routine vaccines and flu! An early dose of measles vaccine is sometimes advised for infants 6–11 months.

3. Timing is Everything

Many travel vaccines require multiple doses or need time to work. So ideally, visit us 6–8 weeks before departure. However, even a last minute appointment will have benefits! Some vaccines can be fast-tracked, but the earlier you come in, the better protected your child will be.

4. Making the Appointment Easy-Peasy

Kids are often braver than we expect, especially if you frame vaccines as part of the adventure. Bring a favourite toy, distract with snacks, or reward with a sticker or treat. At Kids Travel Doc, we use child-friendly approaches and explain everything gently. Many families even come in together, siblings and parents can all get vaccinated at the same visit!

Read more about how to prepare for vaccinations here

5. Beyond the Jab: Other Protection

Vaccines are important, but they’re just one part of your child’s travel health plan. Don’t forget about:

• Insect bite prevention

• Safe food and water habits

• Sunscreen and hydration

• Travel insurance (with medical cover)

• Car safety

  
  

Good planning now means fewer worries later.

What You Can Do Next

Before your family jets off:

1. Book a travel health appointment with us before you go!

2. Plan ahead if your child has complex medical needs or allergies.

3. Ask questions! No two trips are the same, we’re here to help tailor advice to your plans.

Travel vaccinations are part of preparing and help you to enjoy family adventures with peace of mind. At Kids Travel Doc, we make it easy, friendly, and fuss-free so you can focus on the memories, not the microbes!

The information in this article is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. For specific recommendations about your child’s health or travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or make an appointment with one of our experienced travel health professionals.