Background: Immunisation is very cost effective. It provides high level immunity against a range of general and travel specific pathogens. There are more vaccines available as research and development of vaccines progresses. Some vaccines require multiple doses to induce long lasting protective immunity, and some will only induce protective immunity for a limited period of time.
Objective: This article outlines the principles of travel immunisation and reviews the use of each individual vaccine.
Discussion: Pre-travel consultation is interactive and must be individualised. A systematic approach is required, as well as knowledge of disease risks and vaccine details. Recommendation of vaccines should be based on travel illness epidemiology, and be appropriate to the traveller's needs and budget. We need to update routine vaccinations relevant in Australia, recommend vaccines relevant to the traveller's usual lifestyle and occupation, and travel vaccines based on specific needs.