Travel Vaccinations are available in Melbourne, at the Valewood Clinic in Mulgrave.
The doctors and nurses at the clinic are experienced in providing you with the latest travel advice and vaccinations required for your trip overseas. However, it’s always a good idea to do your own research so that when you arrive at the clinic, you are well informed about the health requirements of the country you are visiting.
Vaccines for Overseas Travel
The following are the most common vaccines available:
- Hepatitis A,
- Hepatitis B,
- Dengue fever,
- Typhoid,
- Rabies,
- Cholera, and
- Yellow fever.
Keep in mind that some countries will refuse entry should you not have documentation showing mandatory vaccines.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
In many developing countries, you may be required to show a Yellow Fever vaccination if you stayed overnight or longer in a yellow fever-infected country within 6 days before entering or returning to Australia. Fortunately the Valewood Clinic is an approved yellow fever vaccination centre, so the team can provide the details and vaccination you require.
It’s important when booking, that you tell the clinic the appointment is for a travel vaccinations consultation.
Planning Ahead is the Best Way Forward
This is an exciting time. Once you know the countries you will be visiting on your trip overseas, learn about the key health requirements for entry into the country.
At the Valewood Clinic, we do keep most well-known travel vaccinations in stock, but we may need to order others less commonly required into the clinic. In cases like this, we will order them on your behalf and notify you once the vaccines arrive at the clinic.
The Process at Valewood Clinic
The first step is to book an appointment with a doctor at the Valewood clinic. At the time of booking, please let the Reception staff know it’s for a travel vaccine consultation.
It is recommended that you consult with the doctor a least 6-12 weeks prior to your travel date. This ensures sufficient time to ensure the valid vaccinations are understood, administered and you have recovered in time.
Discuss the countries you want to visit, and bring along any documentation on vaccines you have previously had. These can be assessed on whether they are considered current or if a top-up vaccine is required.
Following the doctor’s consultation, if vaccinations are required, the doctor will take you through to a treatment room to see the nurse. The nurse will administer the vaccines between the hours of 8:30am – 5:00pm.
All travel vaccinations will incur a charge, and the clinic will be able to provide further information on fees should this be required. Payment will be required after your appointment.
You may experience side effects from the vaccines. It’s important that you listen to the advice from the nurse, to ensure that you recover quickly. For example in the few days after the vaccines, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 2-3 days post vaccinations. If you are not feeling well after the vaccines, call the Receptionist at the Clinic and the medical team will assist you.
Travel Insurance is Key
Before you travel, take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Even though you may have had the vaccines, it’s still possible to come in contact with the disease and become unwell. In many countries eg the USA, medical attendance is very expensive and up-front payment is required. By taking out insurance, you will reduce the risk of developing a long term illness, and enjoy a safe and healthy travel experience.
The Australian government offers the latest travel advice including health advice via the Smartraveller website. It’s a very useful reference to learn more about the countries you are visiting and their own health requirements on entry.
Book Your Travel Vaccine Consultation Today
The Valewood Clinic team are ready to assist you with all your travel medicine requirements. Please make contact with the Clinic once you have a travel plan in place, and let them know your booking is for a Travel Vaccine consultation.
Call us on (03) 9560 6655 to book an appointment.
