A typhoid vaccine and a polio vaccine are two of the doses most often added to a travel plan, and both can be given at Your Community Pharmacy in Newport by a pharmacist immuniser. Typhoid protection is for trips where food and water may be unsafe. A polio booster is for travel to places where the virus still circulates, and for anyone who missed childhood doses. Walk in during opening hours; there is no appointment and no booking fee.
Typhoid vaccine in Newport
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection passed on through food or water contaminated by faeces or urine. Fever, headache and feeling unwell usually start two to three weeks after exposure. Most cases seen in Australia are in returning travellers, after time in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East or the Pacific Islands.
There are two forms of the typhoid vaccine, and NSW pharmacists can give both:
- the typhoid injection: a single dose, from age 5
- oral typhoid capsules: a short course taken at home, one capsule every second day, an hour before food, from age 6
The Immunisation Handbook advises repeating either form after 3 years if you travel again to a region where typhoid is common. The vaccine reduces the risk rather than removing it, and there is no vaccine at all for paratyphoid, a similar illness.
Polio vaccine in Newport
Polio spreads through infected saliva and faeces. Most people who catch it have no symptoms, but fewer than 1 in 100 develop paralysis, which can affect breathing. Australia has been free of polio since 2000, yet it is still found overseas, and an unvaccinated traveller can carry it home.
In Australia the polio vaccine is part of the childhood schedule, at 2, 4 and 6 months with a booster at 4 years. What you need now depends on your own history:
- Going to a country with polio cases: the Immunisation Handbook recommends a booster every 10 years.
- Never vaccinated as an adult: a course of three doses, one to two months apart.
- Unsure of your history: an immunisation history statement from myGov shows what is recorded.
Who pays for typhoid and polio vaccines
The NSW Health pharmacist eligibility table lists no funded typhoid vaccine, so it is a private cost for everyone. Polio catch-up doses are free under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 5 to 19, and for refugees and humanitarian entrants aged 5 and over. Other adults pay privately. Ask the pharmacist about cost before your dose, or call (02) 9999 1186.
Planning both doses before you travel
The healthdirect advice is to see a health professional at least 6 weeks before you leave. That leaves time for a capsule course or extra doses. The pharmacist reads your itinerary, checks your records and current medicines, and can give other travel vaccination doses on the same day, such as hepatitis A and B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis. If a country also asks for proof of yellow fever vaccination, that comes from an approved clinic, not a pharmacy.
On the road, eat food that is freshly cooked or peeled, drink bottled or purified water, skip ice and wash your hands before meals.
Common questions
Is the typhoid injection or the capsule course better?
Both are options for most healthy people from the right age. The capsules suit people who prefer to avoid an injection but must be taken exactly on schedule; the pharmacist will tell you if your health or medicines rule one out.
Can I have the typhoid and polio vaccines on the same day?
Ask the pharmacist, who checks your history and tells you which doses can be given at the same visit.
Do I need a polio booster if I was vaccinated as a child?
Only if you are heading somewhere with polio cases, or your work or situation puts you at higher risk. A booster is then repeated every 10 years while that applies.
Where can I read more about travel vaccines?
Our article on pharmacist travel vaccines covers the basics. Every vaccine we give is on the walk-in vaccinations page, with other health services and our FAQs close by. You can also contact us.