What parents need to know about vaccinating children for overseas travel.
Children are more vulnerable to many travel-related illnesses. Their immune systems are still developing, and they're more susceptible to dehydration from diarrhoeal diseases, more attractive to mosquitoes, and more likely to have close contact with animals (increasing rabies risk). Planning and prevention are essential.
Not all vaccines are suitable for young children. Key age restrictions include:
Yellow Fever: Not recommended under 9 months of age. Caution advised for infants 6-9 months — only in exceptional circumstances.
Typhoid injection: From 2 years of age. Oral typhoid from 6 years.
Japanese Encephalitis: From 2 months of age (depending on brand).
Rabies: No minimum age, but discuss with your doctor.
Hepatitis A: From 12 months (though can be given earlier in high-risk situations).
Malaria prophylaxis: Doxycycline not suitable under 8 years. Malarone and mefloquine can be used in younger children — dosage is weight-based.
Check your child's immunisation schedule on the Australian Immunisation Register. Some routine vaccines (like MMR) may be given earlier than the standard schedule if travelling to a high-risk area. Discuss with your doctor.
Carry oral rehydration sachets — dehydration from gastro is the biggest practical risk. Use DEET-based repellent suitable for children (20-30% concentration for kids over 3 months). Dress children in long sleeves and pants at dusk in mosquito areas. Bring familiar medications (paracetamol, antihistamines) as brands may differ overseas. Consider malaria-free or low-risk destinations for first overseas trips with very young children.
Book your family's travel health appointment early — at least 8 weeks before departure. Some childhood travel vaccines require multiple doses, and scheduling these around existing routine vaccination schedules takes planning. Bring each child's immunisation history to the appointment.
Last updated: April 2026