What vaccines do I need for Australia?

CDC focuses on routine vaccines for Australia — make sure measles, flu, and Tdap are up to date. Hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis may come up for longer stays or rural travel.

Do I need any travel vaccines for Australia?

Most travellers do not need travel-specific vaccines for Australia. Routine vaccines, especially measles, should be up to date.

How long before travel to Australia should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Australia — Required & Recommended

All destinations

Planning a trip to Australia? Australia has very low travel-vaccine needs and modern medical infrastructure. Make sure routine vaccines including measles are up to date. Your doctor may also discuss Hepatitis B or Japanese encephalitis if you're staying long or heading to rural areas. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure for a quick review.

Australia has no malaria. Dengue and Ross River virus are mosquito-borne risks, mainly in Queensland; mosquito-bite prevention matters in tropical areas.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Australia from most countries.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Mosquito

Japanese Encephalitis

A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Australia has modern medical infrastructure and very low travel-vaccine needs. Dengue and Ross River virus are mosquito-borne risks, primarily in Queensland. Leptospirosis and melioidosis are present from water and soil contact. Tuberculosis is present.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Australia.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.