Stanmore Pharmacy offers Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio vaccinations for travellers, administered by our pharmacists at Shop 12/140 Percival Road, directly opposite Stanmore Station. We also provide flu and COVID-19 vaccinations before travel. Call us on (02) 9550 0906 to talk through what you need.
Not every travel vaccine can be given at a pharmacy, and some destinations need a GP or a specialist travel clinic. Below is a straightforward guide to what a pharmacy can help with, when to see a doctor instead, and how far ahead to plan.
When should I start thinking about travel vaccinations?
Australian government health advice recommends speaking to a healthcare provider at least six to twelve weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need more than one dose spaced weeks apart, so leaving it late can mean there is not enough time to complete a course.
If your trip is sooner than that, it is still worth asking. A pharmacist can tell you what is realistic in the time you have.
Which travel vaccinations does Stanmore Pharmacy offer?
Our pharmacists administer travel vaccinations against Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio.
We also offer flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for people travelling.
Whether you need any of these depends on where you are going. Smartraveller publishes the recommendations for each destination, and our pharmacists can go through your itinerary with you.
Call us on (02) 9550 0906 with your destination and travel dates and we can talk through what applies to your trip.
When do I need to see a GP or travel clinic instead?
There are situations where a pharmacy is not the right place, and it is better to know that early than to find out a week before you fly.
- Vaccines with certificate requirements. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, yellow fever being the most common example. These are handled by approved vaccination centres rather than general pharmacies.
- Travel medication. Antimalarials are prescription only in Australia and need to come from a doctor. The same applies to antibiotics sometimes prescribed for travellers to carry with them.
- Complex travel health advice. NSW Health guidance is clear that pharmacists refer travellers to a GP for issues such as altitude sickness, sexual health, and managing an existing chronic condition while away.
- Longer or higher risk trips. Extended travel, remote destinations, or work and volunteering placements usually warrant a proper travel medicine consultation.
How do I find out what my destination needs?
The Australian Government's Smartraveller website publishes health information for every destination, including vaccination recommendations and entry requirements. It is the most reliable place to start, and it is updated as conditions change.
Healthdirect also has general travel health information.
Which countries you are visiting, which regions within them, how long you are staying and what you will be doing all affect the answer, so have your itinerary handy.
What should I bring with me?
Bring your Medicare card, photo identification, your itinerary, and your immunisation history statement if you have one. You can download your statement through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app.
Knowing what you have already had matters. Some travel vaccines are boosters rather than a first dose, and childhood vaccinations may already cover part of what you need.
What about routine vaccinations before travelling?
It is worth checking that your everyday vaccinations are current before you go, not only the travel specific ones. Being overseas is not the time to discover something has lapsed.
If you are unsure what you have already had, your immunisation history statement is available through your Medicare online account. Our vaccination page has more on what we offer.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book travel vaccinations?
Australian government health advice recommends at least six to twelve weeks before departure, since some vaccines need multiple doses spaced weeks apart. If your trip is sooner, call us and we will tell you what is possible in the time available.
Which travel vaccinations can Stanmore Pharmacy give?
We offer Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio vaccinations, as well as flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for people travelling. Call us on (02) 9550 0906 with your destination and dates.
Do I need an appointment?
Call us on (02) 9550 0906 before coming in. Travel vaccinations depend on your destination and on what is available, so a conversation first saves a wasted trip.
Are travel vaccinations free?
Travel vaccines are generally not covered by the National Immunisation Program and are usually paid for privately. Call us to ask about a specific vaccine.
What if I need a yellow fever vaccination?
Yellow fever vaccination must be given at an approved vaccination centre, which issues the certificate some countries require for entry. Your GP or a travel medicine clinic can direct you to one.
How do I know which vaccinations my destination needs?
Smartraveller publishes health information and entry requirements for every destination. Bring your itinerary to the pharmacy and we can talk through it with you.
Stanmore Pharmacy is at Shop 12/140 Percival Road, Stanmore NSW 2048, directly opposite Stanmore Station. For travel vaccinations, call us on (02) 9550 0906 with your destination and dates. Our vaccination page covers flu and COVID-19 bookings, and our pharmacy services page lists everything else we offer.
This article is general information only and is not personal medical advice. Travel health needs vary depending on your destination, your health and your itinerary. Speak with your pharmacist or GP about your own circumstances.