Travel Vaccine & Health Guide for Australia and New Zealand?
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Planning a trip down under? Whether you're heading to Sydney’s beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, or the snowy peaks of Queenstown, this travel health guide from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors covers everything you need to know before you fly.
Why Singaporeans Love Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are among the top holiday, study, and migration destinations for Singaporeans. With their stunning natural beauty, clean air, English-speaking environment, and world-class infrastructure, both countries offer the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural familiarity.
Australia sees more than 400,000 Singaporean visitors annually, while New Zealand continues to grow in popularity for road trips, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Whether you're heading for a short holiday, university exchange, or family visit, it’s important to make sure your vaccines and health checks are up to date — especially if you're travelling for an extended period, engaging in nature-based activities, or have pre-existing health concerns.
Best time to go:
Australia: March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) — pleasant weather, fewer crowds
New Zealand: December to February (summer) for warm outdoor activities, or June to August (winter) for skiing and snowboarding
Popular Destinations:
- Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast
- New Zealand – Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Rotorua
Popular For: Nature and wildlife (kangaroos, glow worm caves, coastal hikes), Road trips and self-drive holidays, Adventure sports (bungee jumping, skydiving, snowboarding), Wine tours, beaches, and laid-back cities, Education and family visits.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Australia and New Zealand
Recommended Vaccines:
- Influenza Vaccine – Strongly recommended, especially during the Southern Hemisphere flu season (April to October), or if you'll be in crowded areas.
- Hepatitis A – Highly recommended in rural or outdoor settings due to lower hygiene standards in food/water.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine - For travellers age 65+ or those with chronic conditions.
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine - Optional, to consider for travellers spending time in rural areas.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Australia and New Zealand.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Australia and New Zealand, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Coming soon | Coming soon |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- First-time long-haul travellers
- Students, exchange programme
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
While Australia and New Zealand are medically advanced countries, it's always smart to carry a personal health kit:
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets (especially for road trips or camping)
- Antihistamines (for hay fever or insect bites)
- Cold and flu medication
- Water purification tablets or a filtered water bottle
- Sunscreen and lip balm (UV exposure is high year-round)
- Motion sickness tablets (for mountain roads or boat rides)
- Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and a basic wound kit
- Any prescription medication in original packaging, with a doctor’s note if needed
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Australia and New Zealand have safe tap water — bottled water is not necessary
Use sun protection even in cooler months; UV radiation is strong
During hikes or camping, wear covered shoes to prevent insect or animal bites
Be cautious when swimming in remote lakes or oceans — always check for warnings
If visiting farms or handling animals, wash hands thoroughly after contact
Monitor seasonal allergy triggers, especially during spring and early summer
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Unlike tropical regions, the risk of tropical disease is low in Australia and New Zealand. However, you should still monitor for:
- Fever or persistent respiratory symptoms
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma or eczema
If symptoms arise after your trip, consult your GP to rule out infections or altitude/environment-related issues, especially if you’ve engaged in outdoor activities or travelled during flu season.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines updated
✅ Vaccines completed
✅Prescription medications packed with documentation
✅ Insect repellent & sunscreen
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Nearest hospital bookmarked
✅ Emergency contact card prepared
Planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
