Hepatitis A

A seriously debilitating disease lasting 3 months or longer
Contracted from food and water in developing countries
Preventable by vaccine
2 doses of vaccine gives life cover
Over 40 year olds can die from this disease
Alcohol must be avoided for 6 months if you contract this disease
Once you have Hepatitis A you are highly contagious to others
Incubation period is 2-3 weeks, so you may contract this on holiday and spread it to your friends or work colleagues
Vaccination is highly effective

Hepatitis B

A seriously debilitating disease lasting for the rest of your (shortened) life
Contracted by medical procedures, assault, accidents, blood splashes, or lifestyle misadventures (exchange of bodily fluids)
Preventable by vaccine, but not treatable if you get it
3 doses of vaccine over 4 months gives life cover, but the first 2 doses will provide enough cover for your trip
If contracted, this disease is often fatal
Alcohol must be avoided for 6 months if you contract this disease
Once you have Hepatitis B, you are highly contagious to close family members, and your sexual partner

A food and water-borne disease usually resulting in hospitalisation (severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain)
Most prevalent in developing nations. Oral and injectable vaccines available.
Preventable by vaccination, but many strains exist. Previous illness does not help immunity.

Vaccination is legally required for entry and exit from some countries, especially entry to Australia
Advisable to have the vaccine if visiting countries in parts of Africa and South America
Highly fatal disease
Spread by mosquitoes
The vaccine possibly has some side effects (flu like symptoms, sometimes worse)
Special precautions suggested for those with weaker immune systems
Vaccination only available at licensed clinics such as Travel-Bug Vaccination Clinic
Must be over 9 months of age to receive vaccination
Vaccination lasts for 10 years
Certificate required at airports, and is provided at Travel-Bug

A fatal disease in every case, almost!
Vaccination is possible: 3 doses will give life cover
If bitten when unvaccinated, rabies immunoglobulin is required. This is a blood product and in short supply, even unavailable in many countries
Prevalent in most overseas countries
Carried by all mammals, not just dogs, and they may not exhibit symptoms.
Incubation period is from 10 days up to 17 years. Once symptoms become apparent, successful treatment is not possible
Life long vaccination is available, so regular travellers should consider this

A highly fatal disease
Rapidly progressive (within 48 hours)
Spread by droplet infection from other people
Preventable by vaccine
Vaccination recommended for 16-25 year olds, especially if living in dormitory style accommodations or those visiting endemic areas
Vaccination lasts 3 years, but a life long vaccine is available overseas
Meningitis C vaccine given in school is not adequate cover for travel
Required for entry to Saudi Arabia during Hajj

Transmitted by mosquitoes in rural areas
Rice paddocks and pig farms are required for mosquitoes to breed
Vaccine recommended for travellers to endemic zone (the warmer parts of Asia) for over 1-2 months
Very expensive (over $200).
Vaccine course 0, 28d

It is very important to have these up to date:

Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio / Whooping Cough
Travel Bug provides these 4 as 1 injection

These diseases are more common overseas but you can also catch them here.

Please research this information before your appointment - it will save you money if you have already had them!

Spread by mosquitoes
Vaccination is not possible. Prevention is by taking medication whilst away, and for 7-28 days after you leave the area
A specialist in travel medicine should be consulted for the correct medication and dosage
Many areas do not need medication (e.g. most resorts)
Africa and the Solomon's are the worst destinations for malaria
Repellent (30% DEET, tropical strength) is a vital part of the preventative strategy

If you are travelling over 3000m this can affect you
People have died from this
There is a medication(scientifically proven) that can improve your chances of avoiding this.
Tablets do not mask the disease, they prevent it!
It is not possible to predict who will get altitude sickness.

Vaccination is usually only needed for kids travelling in excess of 6 months to a developing nation

This is an older product which was once used to prevent Hepatitis A
It is a blood product
It is no longer approved for this use and is very expensive to produce (over $200 per dose)

It is highly recommended for tourists travelling to a wintry destination on a guided tour or cruise to have this

A severe illness forgotten by the masses
If you are born between 1966 and 1981 your childhood dose of vaccine has worn off. The system has given 2 doses to the younger members of the community (Government agencies have now worked it out!)
Each person needs to have 2 doses of the vaccine (or to have had the measles!)