Travel Health

The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis (TB), particularly severe forms of TB in young children.

BCG vaccination is routinely given to infants and young children in many countries where tuberculosis is more common. In Australia, it is not part of the routine vaccination schedule for most children, but may be recommended for people at increased risk of TB exposure, including young children travelling to or spending extended periods in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

The BCG vaccine is given as a single injection into the skin, usually on the upper arm, and commonly leaves a small scar. Some patients may require a Mantoux (tuberculin skin) test before vaccination depending on their age, travel history and previous risk of TB exposure.

If you or your child are travelling overseas, our GPs can assess your tuberculosis risk and advise whether BCG vaccination or pre-vaccination testing is appropriate.

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. The yellow fever vaccine provides protection for travellers visiting areas where the virus is present and may also be required to meet the entry requirements of certain countries.

Yellow fever vaccination is generally recommended for people aged 9 months and over travelling to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Some countries may also require proof of vaccination when entering from, or transiting through, a country where yellow fever is present.

Essendon Family Medical Clinic is an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and can provide the yellow fever vaccine and International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). For most travellers, a single dose provides long-lasting protection, and the international vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is generally valid for life.

If you are travelling to Africa, South America or another destination with yellow fever vaccination requirements, our GPs can review your itinerary, assess whether vaccination is recommended or required, and help ensure you are prepared before you travel.