Travel health tips for a happy holiday

Get your flu shot

Whether you’re travelling within Australia or overseas, no one likes getting the flu, so it pays to protect yourself and your family. The flu is highly contagious with many different strains that change every year. Getting the flu shot is one of the best defences against getting sick on holiday.

The Australian Government recommends the flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older¹.

If travelling overseas, do a pre-health check

• Visit the Smart Traveller website or speak to your Health Partners participating pharmacist: Find out what vaccinations you need before travelling overseas – some countries also require proof.
• Seek expert advice: Visit your Health Partners Health Partners participating pharmacist, GP or a specialist travel doctor to discuss health needs, medications and precautions.
• Give yourself time: You might need a series of immunisations so don’t leave it to the last minute.
• Get enough medicine: Speak with your doctor about repeat prescriptions, and then pick up prescriptions and head to a Health Partners participating pharmacy so you’re not caught short on holiday.
• Ask your Health Partners participating pharmacist to see if your vaccinations are covered under your Health Partners policy.

Pack your paperwork

While it’s another thing to add to your packing list, it’s always a good idea to carry:

• Copies of your prescriptions
• A letter from your doctor or pharmacist
• Vaccination records — both hard copy and digital

These will be helpful if you get asked any questions by airport security, or if you need to explain something to a local pharmacist or doctor at your destination.

Carry a travel health kit

Having a well-stocked travel “first aid” kit will give you peace of mind and help you staying well on your holiday. To be prepared, make sure to include:

• Medications in their original containers, with the labels
• Band-Aids and an instant cold pack for scrapes and bumps
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Tweezers
• Anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal medication
• Antihistamines and pain relief
• Hand sanitiser
• Antiseptic lotion for small cuts and grazes
• Hydration products
• Trip specific items — for example, bandages for trekking or a snake bite kit for camping

Get ahead of jet lag

Jet lag is no fun for children or adults. New time zones can cause jet lag – when your body’s internal clock for sleep and wake cycles gets out of sync. Here are some tips to help you adapt to the new time zone:

• Adjusting sleep patterns: Change sleep and awake times and expose them to light in the lead up to your holiday
• Spreading flights out: Avoid multiple plane trips in a short period of time
• Using melatonin: Speak to your pharmacist about using a sleeping supplement
• Keeping fuelled and hydrated: Drink plenty of water and try to eat nutritious meals during your journey and once you arrive

With these tips in hand, we hope your family enjoys a healthy and unforgettable holiday—free from illness and full of adventure!

By planning ahead and taking simple precautions, you can minimise the risk of illness and maximise your time exploring, relaxing, and making memories together.

¹Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 2025, Influenza (flu), https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/influenza-flu

*20% Discount applies on the pharmacies full item price of most non-prescription products on presentation of Health Partners membership card for members with extras products, but excludes agency items (e.g. X-Lotto), selected franchise brands (e.g Chanel) and schedule 3 recordable medicines. Discount only available at Health Partners participating pharmacies. Pharmacies may choose, at their discretion, to apply the discount to items already discounted. Price matched items are considered to be discounted. Unlimited use. Conditions are in accordance with agreements held with our Health Partners participating pharmacies, which may change from time to time.