On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 31 I September/October 2019 | Page 16

vaccinations
Travel
BY DR GEORGIA PAGE
T
ravelling is an exciting time and
it has become easier and more
popular than ever before. If
retirement is on the cards this means
more time to travel and explore the
world. However, its not so exciting if
you get sick! Seniors are at highest risk of
disease because as we age our immune
system declines and we are more at
risk of infection. This doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t book your dream trip however.
You just need to be prepared, think ahead
and start planning to prevent illness
when travelling. on to take with you. This should help
avoid any issues at customs. Make sure
you pack enough medication for the
duration of your trip and a little extra
just in case there are any delays. Travel
insurance is essential and your doctor
may be required to fill out a medical
form for you if you have pre-existing
conditions. Remember the more fit and
healthy you are prior to leaving, then the
more strength you will have to fight any
unwanted illnesses or infection.
Pre-travel visit
All senior travellers should see their
GP for a pre-travel check up about 6
– 8 weeks prior to their travels. Your
doctor will decide what vaccinations
and medicine is required for your trip,
depending on your destination. Some
vaccines take time to work or you may
require several vaccinations over a period
of time so make sure you plan ahead.
Consider physical fitness and
limitations when planning a trip. For
example, if you have severe knee
arthritis, a hiking trip in the French Alps
might not be wise! If seniors have pre-
existing conditions and are on prescribed
medications your doctor can write a
letter with a list of medications you are Routine Vaccinations
No matter where you are travelling it is
important to be up to date with routine
vaccines such as tetanus, whooping
cough, polio, measles/mumps/rubella
(MMR) and seasonal influenza.
Check with your doctor if
you are unsure.
Did you know that
more than half of
tetanus cases are in
people over 65, so if
it is 10 years since
your last booster you
should have another.
It is recommended to
have a whooping cough
(pertussis) vaccination in
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ON T H E C OA S T – OVER 5 5
Vaccinations
All senior travellers
should see their GP for
a pre–travel check up
about 6–8 weeks prior
to their travels.
combination with tetanus if you are aged
over 65 years and have not had one in the
past 10 years.
Most measles outbreaks in Australia
are coming from inadequately vaccinated
adult travellers who catch it overseas
and unfortunately bring it back into
Australia. Australians born since 1966
and have not received 2 doses of MMR
vaccines should have the vaccine
prior to travel. People born
before 1966 will have
acquired immunity
from natural
infection as it was
prevalent before
this time so do
not require MMR
vaccination.
We often think
of preventing
against exotic
diseases when