STEP 4: Travel Health Essentials

Vaccinations / Medication

Before travel, always check you have the correct vaccinations and medications (e.g. malaria prophylaxis) for both your destination and your activity.   Be mindful some (e.g. malaria tablets) need to be administered a set time before departure or even in doses several weeks apart.  

The  Website (link and advice on how to use ) lists what vaccinations and prophylaxis, are advised as a minimum when travelling to individual countries.  Staff and students travelling overseas on University related business are strongly advised to arrange vaccinations / prophylaxis as per the Fit for Travel recommendations directly with their GP or relevant Pharmacy. Charges may be made dependent on the treatment.  Speak to your College / School / Service to establish what costs will be reimbursed.

Where appropriate, always carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof you have the correct vaccinations. 

Yellow Fever: Some countries require a Yellow Fever certificate to enter or to transit and it is important to evaluate country yellow fever certificate requirements ahead of travel.

Travelling with Medication

Be aware restrictions and even prohibitions may apply with regards to what medication can be taken overseas. For example, opiate based drugs such as codeine are banned in some countries.  In some cases, you will need a GP's Letter confirming why you require medication. The  offers information. Also, see Pre-Existing Health Considerations below.

Other Health Considerations

As well as general health issues, for example sun burn, some of us will need to consider pre-existing medical conditions which require thought as to how the condition will be managed overseas.  Further information is available in the links below.

Links

Using Fit for Travel

Select what Country then Select Vaccinations