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What shots do I need for Australia and the Pacific Islands?
If you are traveling to Australia or the Pacific Islands, there is a chance you'll need some shots. The shots you need will depend on (a) what part of the Pacific, (b) how long you're staying, (c) what you will be doing while there, and (d) your immunization and medical history.
Pacific Islands vaccine checklist
CDC vaccine recommendations for countries in the Australia/Pacific region
Japanese encephalitis and typhoid in the Australia/Pacific region
Typhoid and Japanese encephalitis are the two most frequently recommended vaccines for travel to the Australia/Pacific region. Both of these vaccines are safe and effective. Both of the diseases they protect against are deadly or disabling.
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Typhoid vaccine: This vaccine provides protection from typhoid fever which is mainly spread through contaminated food and water. You can choose from an oral vaccine or an injection.
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Japanese encephalitis vaccine: This vaccine protects against Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus which is spread by mosquitoes. JE is a year-round threat in warmer climates and a seasonal threat in more northerly parts of East Asia. It is recommended for travelers who will be in the area for a long time, or who have a lot of exposure due to their activities while there (around water, rural areas, etc.).
Other vaccines that may be needed
We give these vaccines far less frequently than the vaccines mentioned above but they are still important for certain travelers.
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Rabies vaccine is important for travelers who expect to have a lot of exposure to animals—especially dogs—while traveling.
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Routine childhood immunizations are essential for all travelers. Some travelers may need to update their tetanus/diptheria/pertussis immunization (Tdap) if it has been more than 10 years. Hepatitis A and B vaccines have only been part of routine childhood vaccine series since 1994, so you may need to get these shots as well before you travel. Lastly (and this is not exhaustive) there is a worldwide polio outbreak spreading and the CDC is asking travelers to many locations to get a one-time adult booster for polio.
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Cholera vaccination is recommended for certain travelers visiting areas hard hit by natural disasters and which lack modern sanitation and water treatment. For example, Haiti was a hotbed for cholera after it was stuck by the big earthquake in 2010. 10,000 people died in Haiti from cholera alone.
For recommendations specific to you, please set up an appointment to speak with one of our travel health nurses.