From the tranquil lagoons of Tahiti to the desert expanses of the Outback, youll encounter super friendly locals and unique natural wonders. Depending on where your trip takes you, you wont have too many health concerns. Read on to see what your worries might be, mate!
Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in Australia and the South Pacific. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations for the area youre visiting.
Food and Water:
Australia and New Zealand pose no problems in this realm. However, if youre journeying to the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, or Samoa, its best to drink bottled water--even if local word has it that tap waters safely potable. Food is generally safe to eat, although be sure to avoid undercooked meat and raw seafood, particularly in the South Pacific.
The Elements:
The suns harsh rays will probably be your main concern. Limit your exposure to the sun for the first few days of your trip, and thereafter, from 11am to 3pm in summer and 10am to 2pm in winter (summer and winter down under, of course). Liberally apply sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) throughout the day. Wear pants and long sleeves when you can, don a wide-brimmed hat, and protect yourself from the bright sunlight with sunglasses. Also, be sure to stay aware of dehydration--drink plenty of water, even when youre not thirsty, and especially when engaging in active adventures.
Health Risks:
Spiders and snakes might cross your path in Australia, but other than that, the pest factor there and in New Zealand is low. Dengue fever and filariasis have occurred in the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Samoa, so protect yourself from mosquitoes and other creepy, crawly critters with your favorite insect repellent.
Coral reefs on the South Pacific islands are hazardous--protect your feet from cuts and grazes with waterproof foot gear. Also, keep your hands out of holes and cracks in the reef, as they might be home to some unpleasant or lethal occupants.
Immunization Suggestions and Requirements:
The following information was culled from reputable sources, such as CDC and WHO and reflects countries currently featured on Travelocity.com.
Australia and New Zealand do not require any vaccinations to enter the country, unless youve been in a yellow fever danger zone in the past six days.
Cook Islands (Aitutaki and Rarotonga)
Fiji
- Hepatitis A and B
- Cholera and yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from all travelers coming from infected areas
French Polynesia (Moorea and Tahiti)
- Typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas
Samoa
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas
