Travel health advice

Going overseas? Here are some tips on how to stay well during your holiday, including tips on food and water safety, insect risks and vaccinations.

Read more

Safe travels! 10 tips for a healthy holiday

Travel can be great, but there are some risks involved, especially overseas. Make the most of your holiday and have a safe trip by using these health tips.

Read more

Travel vaccinations

Learn about why vaccinations are important before you travel.

Read more

Immunisation or vaccination - what's the difference?

What's the difference between immunisation and vaccination?

Read more

Immunisation for your child

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. Discover more about childhood vaccinations.

Read more

Immunisation and pregnancy

During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally weaker than usual so are more susceptible to certain infections and illnesses which can be harmful to you and your developing baby.

Read more

Travelling to your healthcare appointment

Travelling to receive healthcare can be complex, time-consuming and costly. Here's how to help reduce these burdens through good planning.

Read more

Zika virus

Learn about the Zika virus, and why it's advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks.

Read more

Stay safe while flying with diabetes

If you live with diabetes and travel by plane, forward preparation is crucial. Use these tips on meals, insulin and emergency planning so you arrive safely.

Read more

Malaria

Malaria is a disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes an infection of the red blood cells. Find out more here.

Read more

Immunisation and vaccinations

Immunisation and vaccinations are simple and effective preventative measures to help protect children and adults against harmful infections and diseases before they come into contact with them in the community.

Read more

HPV vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts, but vaccination helps to prevent it.

Read more

Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) are diseases such as measles or mumps that can be prevented by an immunisation programme.

Read more

Free meningococcal vaccine to help protect Australian teenagers

More than 1 million teenagers will get a free meningococcal vaccine over the next 4 years, once it's added to the National Immunisation Schedule in April 2019.

Read more

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a serious disease transmitted by an infected mosquito in areas of Africa, Central or South America. Vaccination is recommended.

Read more

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare infectious bacterial disease that usually affects the nose and throat. Learn more about its vaccination, symptoms and how it spreads.

Read more

Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

Read more

How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

Read more

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.

Read more

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more here.

Read more

Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is most likely to be found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitary services.

Read more

Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection. It can cause paralysis and death, so immunisation is important to prevent polio. Learn here about symptoms, how polio is spread and treatment options.

Read more

Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of immunisation, few people now get tetanus in Australia. Find out more about tetanus on our trusted partner pages.

Read more

What does measles rash look like?

There have been several confirmed cases of measles acquired by people returning from overseas. Here's what you need to know about potentially deadly measles.

Read more

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

Read more

Cervical cancer could be eradicated within 40 years

Australia could be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, thanks to the free HPV immunisation program and new Cervical Screening Test.

Read more

Flu vaccine FAQs

Got a question about the flu vaccine? Learn more about when to get vaccinated and who should get it.

Read more

COVID-19 vaccines

What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, including why you should get vaccinated and who will get the vaccines first.

Read more

Travel advice and restrictions related to COVID-19

Frequently asked questions and answers about COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection and travel, including restrictions.

Read more

Why getting a flu vaccination now will help in the fight against COVID-19

Australians are being urged to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible — to reduce the risk of a dangerous double-up of seasonal influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19).

Read more