NPS launches vaccine web site

Health & Leisure
Tuesday, 10 July 2012

A new web site with the latest information on travel vaccines, including who should have them, what infections they protect against and their possible side effects has been launched by NPS MedicineWise.

Many illnesses caught while overseas are avoidable by vaccinating prior to departure and it’s important to know which vaccinations are needed for what countries.

NPS clinical adviser dr Philippa Binns says adults and children travelling overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date — especially the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as nearly all cases of measles in Australia are caught overseas and brought home.

“You should see your doctor well before your departure date — at least six to eight weeks — to discuss what vaccinations you will need for the countries you will be travelling to,” said Binns.

“Some vaccinations need more than one dose given over a period of time, and bodies need time to build up immunity.”
Binns also said being protected against diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis not only benefits travellers but also family and the community.

“This is particularly important for travellers who could introduce new diseases to the country, or re-introduce diseases we have managed to eradicate."

The website also provides information about vaccines for specific groups of people like travellers, pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The NPS MedicineWise vaccination knowledge hub can be accessed at www.nps.org.au/vaccines <http://www.nps.org.au/vaccines>

For specific information about vaccinations for travellers, visit http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/vaccines_immunisation/who_should_be_vaccinated/travellers

NPS launches vaccine web site

Health & Leisure
Tuesday, 10 July 2012

A new web site with the latest information on travel vaccines, including who should have them, what infections they protect against and their possible side effects has been launched by NPS MedicineWise.

Many illnesses caught while overseas are avoidable by vaccinating prior to departure and it’s important to know which vaccinations are needed for what countries.

NPS clinical adviser dr Philippa Binns says adults and children travelling overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date — especially the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as nearly all cases of measles in Australia are caught overseas and brought home.

“You should see your doctor well before your departure date — at least six to eight weeks — to discuss what vaccinations you will need for the countries you will be travelling to,” said Binns.

“Some vaccinations need more than one dose given over a period of time, and bodies need time to build up immunity.”
Binns also said being protected against diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis not only benefits travellers but also family and the community.

“This is particularly important for travellers who could introduce new diseases to the country, or re-introduce diseases we have managed to eradicate."

The website also provides information about vaccines for specific groups of people like travellers, pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The NPS MedicineWise vaccination knowledge hub can be accessed at www.nps.org.au/vaccines <http://www.nps.org.au/vaccines>

For specific information about vaccinations for travellers, visit http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/vaccines_immunisation/who_should_be_vaccinated/travellers