Protect yourself before you travel at Chermside Medical Centre

Before you travel overseas, a consultation with one of our doctors will determine:

• The need for any vaccination(s)
• Suitable medication to take with you
• Information on relevant preventive measures
• Advice on self treatment in case medical assistance is unavailable
• The consultation will require a booking for longer consultation of 30 minutes in most instances. Please notify the reception about it when you call us.
• Our clinic is certified to provide all of the vaccinations that are currently used in travel medicine. Two of our doctors, Dr Alan Jones and Dr Andrik Lohman are also fully certified to provide Scuba Diving Medicals.
• For maximum benefits, the consultation with a Doctor should take place 6-8 weeks prior to departure.

This will ensure a happy and healthy travel experience!

What you need to know:

The below and many more other diseases can be prevented by traveler education and relevant vaccinations obtained BEFORE travel. Do not underestimate the severity of various diseases and the effectiveness of relevant vaccinations!

• Vaccines are not perfect. New vaccines are being developed constantly but new diseases continue to mutate
• Some vaccines require a longer period to get effect and may require more than one dose BUT it is NEVER TOO LATE to vaccinate
• You may need boosters for childhood vaccinations
• New diseases such as SARS or 'Swine Flu' may appear suddenly. Check out the latest travel advice and travel bulletins before you depart and while you travel
• Common infections affecting travelers are those consumed through food or water. Find out whether local food and tap water are safe to consume
• There are also a number of mosquito-born illnesses that can affect travelers, especially in tropical areas. Please take preventive measures such as covering yourself with loose clothes, using insect repellents and staying in mosquito safe accommodation.
• Malaria and other mosquito born diseases are common in many regions. It is one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases in the world; 300-500 million clinical cases occur every year in over 90 countries and about 1.5-2.7 million people die from the disease each year
• The rate of HIV/AIDS infections in some countries can be very high
• Tuberculosis (TB) is number one cause of death from infectious disease in the world
• The standard of medical facilities and medical care in many countries is significantly lower than those in Australia
• Many countries will require an upfront payment for any medical evacuations and these can cost up to $100,000
• Many Australians are affected by health emergencies overseas each year. You should monitor the media for any recent precautions and take appropriate measures such as visiting your Doctor and obtaining your travel health insurance

It is a wise investment of time for individuals and businesses!

Please call us on (07) 3350 4222 to make an appointment with one of our Doctors and we will provide you with:

• Current and informed travel health information
• Consultation pre and post travel
• Discussion on measures you can take to reduce risk of heath problems
• Travelers first aid kits and insect repellents
• Written information on common hazards you may encounter
• Diving Medicals
• Vaccinations according to legal requirements, destination and duration of travel
• Issued with completed International Vaccination Record Card