Cleveland Medical News

Travel Medicine Essentials

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:29:35 GMT

The Travel Medicine Essentials: Staying Healthy on your Adventures!

At Cleveland Medical we understand that travelling to new and exotic destinations can be a very exciting adventure. Staying healthy and safe whilst abroad, is something the Doctors at Cleveland Medical can help you and your family with.

Travel Medicine focuses on preventing and managing health issues that travellers may experience when abroad. It’s a specialised area of medicine that helps individuals prepare for potential health risks and help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Whether you’re heading on a short vacation or a long-term adventure, understanding travel medicine will help protect your health.

We asked the Doctors what some of the more common travel-related health risks were:

1. Food and waterborne Illnesses: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to illnesses such as traveller’s diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever.

2. Vector-Borne Diseases: Insect bites can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. It’s important to know where you’re going and what might be prevalent – this way you can take preventative measures (think insect repellent, long sleeve shirts and pants, sleeping under mosquito nets etc.).

3. Altitude Sickness: Something many of us in Australia won’t be used to with our capital cities based at sea-level. Travelling to high-altitude destinations can lead to sickness in the form of headaches, nausea and fatigue.

4. Respiratory Infections: Be aware of variant pathogens not readily found in Australia, and where available, be sure your vaccinations are up to date – influenza, COVID-19, tuberculosis.

5. Thrombosis or DVT’s: Long periods of immobility during travel (like sitting on a plane), can increase the risk of blood clots, often referred to as deep vein thrombosis or even travellers thrombosis.

And the Doctors Top Tips for Staying Healthy:

· Consult your GP or Travel Medicine specialist before you go

· Make sure your vaccinations are up to date

· Medication – be sure you have plenty of medication that you need and relevant paperwork should you have any issues in country or require additional medication when abroad

· Drink bottled water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. It’s also a good reminder to wash your own hands frequently, especially before eating.

· Pack insect protection and ensure you have suitable clothing.

· Don’t forget about sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses etc. Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you forget to slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.

Holidays are meant to be exciting and a chance to create new memories you’ll treasure.

Talk with the Doctors at Cleveland Medical and get the help you need to better understand the risks associated with travel and taking preventive measures for a safe and healthy trip. Let them prioritise your health with you, so this next adventure isn’t remembered for all the wrong reasons!

Women's Health Week 2024

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:19:25 GMT

This September, we're celebrating Women's Health Week from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th, at Cleveland Medical.

The theme this year is Your Health Your Choice, with a focus on having conversations about hormonal changes, nutrition, overcoming shame and stigma, and parenting challenges.

As part of the week, the team at Jean Hailes for Women's Health have put together this great little resource for all women to remember what health checks are needed and how frequently.

You can get a copy of the resource for yourself by visiting: Health checks for women poster | Jean Hailes

Caring for Seniors

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 23:15:35 GMT

Caring for Seniors

At Cleveland Medical we appreciate older aged patients are often more likely to suffer from a range of health conditions or concerns than younger patients. Whilst when we think of ageing, we all expect wrinkles and grey hair to present, but sometimes did you know ageing will also affect your entire cardiovascular system; your bones, joints and muscles; as well as your bladder, memory, eyes, ears and teeth to name just a few?

The caring Doctors at Cleveland Medical are experienced to help you with any concerns you might have, as your health changes. With dignity and respect, they can work with you address current health concerns, whilst also collaborating to help prevent or delay the onset of other conditions you might be at risk of developing (like diabetes, heart disease, dementia etc.).

At Cleveland Medical we bulk bill the 75 years and older health assessment.

If you’re 75 years and older, we can also offer you an annual Health Assessment to help monitor your health and wellbeing. These assessments can assist your GP in identifying anything of concern with things like blood pressure, memory, fall-risks, depression, sleep and maintaining a healthy weight.

All this information can ensure your GP can pro-actively attend to any issues before they worsen and potentially even avoid a hospital admission in the future.

What does the 75+ Health Assessment include:

· Information Collection – patient history and arranging any tests / examinations required

· Overall Assessment

· Providing recommendations for interventions or improvements for better health

· Keeping a record of the assessment and sharing with any authorised parties

(e.g. carer, other specialists, allied health providers etc.).

Let Cleveland Medical coordinate your care across a team of skilled professionals.

Similarly, older patients often have more complex medications or prescriptions; referrals to specialists; and might even be on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan to support their care. The GPs at Cleveland Medical work closely with a host of local pharmacists, medical specialists and allied health professionals (physiotherapists, psychologists, audiologists, dietitians, podiatrists etc.).

Early intervention and regular health checks can help you enjoy a healthier life for longer. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our GPs or you’re interested in having a Health Assessment (and are 75 years and older), make an appointment online or by phoning reception during clinic hours.

i-scribe

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:06:59 GMT

Cleveland Medical and i-scribe

i-scribe is revolutionizing patient documentation and record-taking. It is an automatic transcription service Specialist Doctors use to capture the consultation and transcribe medical notes.

i-scribe does not store any audio files.

How secure is it?

i-scribe has the same level of encryption as Hospitals and other Electronic Medical Record Software that is used in this clinic.

Should you prefer not to use this technology, kindly let us know and we will accommodate your preference.

Mental health conversations!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:47:51 GMT

Better Consult helps start mental health conversations!

Research around the world highlights their remains a reluctance from males to talk about their mental health, despite efforts to destigmatise. In fact, the World Health Organisation, states that across the globe, males die by suicide at a rate twice that of females. ¹

It’s believed, the reason so many males still don’t talk about mental health comes back to old ideas about gender, with concepts of “Man Up”, “Be Tough”, and “All Good Mate”. Yet, as the world continues to move at a rapid pace with communication platforms now embedded in every phase of our lives, life over the last few decades (for men and women) has increasingly changed.

Dr Naveen, here at Cleveland Medical, acknowledges that patients can find it difficult to talk about their mental health. Dr Naveen is a successful doctor and father of two teenage children.

“I try to keep in mind what I teach my patients—that mental health, especially men's mental health—and that talking about my own emotions and challenges is beneficial. It's common to have days that are harder than others, and occasionally we need assistance because the issues we confront are too big for us to handle alone.”

This year at Cleveland Medical, we've introduced the new pre-consultation tool of BetterConsult. This unique tool, allows all patients to share information with their doctor prior to their appointment, meaning patients can note for their Doctor anything they would like to address / talk about without having to physically say it face to face to their GP.

We’re finding that for things like mental health (along with other health topics people sometimes find challenging to speak out), this tool is helping these valuable conversations take place.

If you’re in need of support or want to access helpful resources on mental health, you can also access the following services:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute – www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

1. World Health Organisation Article - One in 100 deaths is by suicide (who.int)

Healthy Habits

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:20:20 GMT

Healthy Habits App

The Healthy Habits Resource Hub is a one-stop shop for information, programs, guidelines and training opportunities on physical activity, nutrition and other factors that impact these behaviours such as sleep, mental wellbeing, alcohol consumption, and chronic conditions.

Download the FREE App

https://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-app/

tthttps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-ap/ps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-app/

BetterConsult

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:09:23 GMT

Doctors at our practice now use BetterConsult, a pre-consultation questionnaire completed by patients that gives your doctor an understanding of the reason for your visit.

How does BetterConsult benefit you?

- Spend more time talking about treatment

- Focus on discussing treatment options instead of going over symptoms.

Never forget what you want to cover with your GP

- Take your time documenting each health concern before your appointment.

Answer questions about your health, in private

- Consider your symptoms and medications, in privacy.

Rely on the security of your medical data

- Document your information securely so that it is only seen by your Doctor.

Annual Health Check

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:00:54 GMT

Why You Need That Annual Health Check

Start 2023 the best way you can for your health, by making your annual health check appointment with one of the Doctors here at Cleveland Medical.

Having regular health checks with your GP can help identify any early signs of health issues or concerns. And finding these problems early improves the chances of effectively treating any concerns or implementing strategies to minimise onset.

That’s why, no matter your age, family history, existing medical conditions and/or lifestyle choices it’s a good idea to visit your GP regularly to:

· Monitor current or emerging medical concerns

· Check your risk of future medical conditions

· Prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support positive lifestyle choices

· Stay on-top of vaccinations, medications and referrals you may need

At Cleveland Medical the doctors and allied health professionals are here to support you. Making the effort to have an annual health check can also provide you a chance to assess your own health (emotional, physical and mental), habits and lifestyle to make positive change and improvements that will support you and your family.

Please note, allied health services available at Cleveland Medical include:

· Physiotherapy

· Dietician

12 ways of Christmas self-care

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:04:15 GMT

Twelve ways of Christmas self-care

12 ways of Christmas self-care

Christmas is a time filled with joy, laughter and lots of good food. Amongst the excitement, many people find it challenging to take care of their physical and mental health. From family tensions or absences, financial pressures or simply too much food, we all have our own battles.

Cleveland Medical wants to help you have the happiest and healthiest festive season possible. Here are the 12 ways of Christmas self-care.

1. Set a Christmas budget

2. Avoid unnecessary stress

3. Treat yo’ self

4. Get in the spirit

5. Give back

6. Give yourself a break

7. Get smaller plates

8. Don’t be afraid to say no

9. Mix up the drinks - If you’re drinking this festive season, be conscious of how jolly you feel.

10. Don’t forget to move - Being active is important year-round. And while a few low-activity days aren’t detrimental to your health, being physically active supports physical and mental health.

11. Festivities and exercise can go hand in hand. Try to schedule in activities that move your body, such as a walk with a friend, a bike ride with the kids or a dance battle with your opponent of choice.

12. Sleep, sleep and sleep!

Many of us take time off work to celebrate with Christmas, and while it is cause for celebration, we must remind ourselves that it is also an opportunity to recharge. Sleeps helps us rest, restore and recover. Getting a full eight hours of sleep will help you avoid your inner grinch at Christmas, reduce risk of overeating and ensure you are energised after the break.

https://reflectionsfromaredhead.com/self-care-at-christmas/

https://helpingminds.org.au/christmas-selfcare/

Balanced diets and healthy bodies

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 02:10:13 GMT

Top tips for a healthier you

What we put in our bodies impacts how they function. A healthy diet not only fuels you for busy days but also protects from chronic illness, supports muscles, bones, and immunity, and makes you feel better.

A balanced diet is a healthy diet

Eating ‘healthy’ doesn’t mean salad and no dessert! Eating a variety of nutritious foods is essential for your health and wellbeing. Everything you eat and drink provides you with energy and different amounts and types of nutrients.

A balanced diet should include a range of:

· Fruits (berries, bananas, oranges, apples, avocados, pears etc.)

· Vegetables (carrots, broccoli, spinach, capsicum, corn, mushrooms, cauliflower etc.)

· Grains (bread, pasta, porridge, muesli, wheat cereal, quinoa etc.)

· Proteins (lean meats and poultry, eggs, tofu, legumes/beans, nuts and seeds and fish)

· Dairy and/or their alternatives (anything with more than 100mg of calcium per 100ml)

You don’t have to include every food group in every meal, but it is recommended to consume all types within a day.

More than just fuel

We use food to connect with our loved ones and treat ourselves. It is for sharing, savouring, giving, and celebrating.

A balanced diet should be used as a guide, not as a rigid set of rules. Sugar, salt, and saturated fats are not harmful when consumed in moderation. For many of us, the occasional treat helps us maintain a positive relationship with food.

Each person is different, so this should be reflected in their diet. If you are looking into how diet impacts your health, have a chat with your GP at Cleveland Medical.

Pack your bags. We’re going on vacation!

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 07:16:04 GMT

Global travel is back.

Before setting sail for that trip of a lifetime, travelers must consider how to protect their health.

While COVID-19 has overrun our headlines and headspace for the last two years, there is more to consider when travelling abroad. Routine vaccinations, travel vaccinations, medications and current health and wellbeing have slipped into the background as we focus on regulations around masks, COVID-19 vaccinations, and social distancing.

Visiting your doctor before your trip can make sure you stay healthy while experiencing new environments. All explorers should visit their GP at least 6 weeks before travelling.

Before you trade beautiful Australia for an overseas destination, your doctor will go through three key things:

1. Health check

2. Travel vaccinations

3. Destination health advice

Health Check

A health check makes sure you and your family are fit to travel, you have enough of your medications for your trip, and your standard vaccinations are up to date.

Travel Vaccinations

As each destination has its own charm, it also has its own challenges. Whether you’re travelling through rural or urban locations in developed or developing countries, your itinerary will influence how you manage your health.

Your doctor will recommend vaccinations based on the location of your trip and the activities you have planned, your vaccination history and health check. As a general guide, travel to developed countries requires an update on influenza, measles, and whooping cough. Travel to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Pacific may require additional vaccinations, the most common being Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Without these vaccinations, travelers are at higher risk and may have trouble entering their destination country or re-entering Australia.

It is recommended that travelers come in at least 6 weeks in advance to ensure they are fully protected by the time they are abroad. Some vaccines require several doses spread over several weeks while others take a few weeks to become effective.

Destination health advice

You need health advice tailored to your adventure. Your doctor can provide you with destination specific advice. They will discuss likelihood and risk mitigation of food and water contamination, mosquito exposure, dangerous wildlife interactions, and unhealthy sun exposure, as well as how the destination and planned activities may influence existing medical conditions. For the best advice, bring your travel itinerary with your planned adventures.

You should also check for current information on safety, local laws, travel requirements, health concerns and local contacts specific to your destination.

Book in today

Make sure you put a visit with your GP at Cleveland Medical on your to-do list before your next trip.

We are trained in travel medicine, so chat with us before you head off on your Euro trip, Asian adventure or Tanzanian safari experience.

Plan your health so you can travel more and worry less!

Be kind and patient

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 01:11:26 GMT

Creating a safe workplace for healthcare workers

The healthcare industry has seen an increase in patient aggression and violence. Medical professionals, like their patients, have faced significant challenges over the past few years. However, healthcare workers too often bear the brunt of frustrations they themselves endure.

Defining harmful behaviour can help identify it in others and in ourselves. It can be defined as incidents where people are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their

safety, wellbeing or health.

What is patient aggression or violence?

Often, patients are unaware of the impacts of their actions. Patient aggression or violence can include but is not limited to:

verbal aggression (rudeness, yelling, inappropriately swearing),
threatening or inappropriate body language,
abusive letters/phone calls/emails,
intimidation and threats, and
sexual harassment (including innuendo, ‘accidentally’ touching or overt sexual advances).

What are the effects of patient aggression or violence?

Poor treatment of healthcare workers can have a serious impact on staff members, leading the personal and practice struggles.

The impacts can include:

high levels of anxiety
poor concentration
difficulty listening to patients
depression
stress related illness
social withdrawal
absenteeism, including avoiding patient types or sites
high staff turnover
difficulty recruiting
diminished productivity
diminished staff satisfaction, and
reduced participation in the medical workforce.

At Cleveland Medical, we care about everyone’s health, including the people that work at our practice. Every day the staff and doctors at Cleveland work to help the Cleveland community.

Aggression will not be tolerated.

If anyone yells or threatens the safety of others in the practice, they will be asked to leave.

We have a Zero-tolerance Policy to ensure the people at Cleveland Medical are physically and mentally safe. By upholding these standards, we create a positive environment for both our patients and our healthcare workers.

If you see any behaviour that violates these guidelines, please talk to reception or your doctor.

Appreciating the team!

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 03:20:07 GMT

Caring for those who care for us

A great deal of work goes into creating the general practice we have today, so we wouldn’t be here without our staff. Our healthcare workers deliver care to the Cleveland community directly as doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals or indirectly as receptionists, laboratory technicians and aides.

The most valuable resource for health is healthcare workers, and we are lucky enough to have some of the best! Each member of our team is an essential part of the healthcare ecosystem.

How we say thank you

At Cleveland Medical, we take the time to say thank you to those who care for our community.

On National Receptionists Day, the 11th of May, we showed our appreciation for Mel, Tamara, Karen, Ashlee & Kaitlyn. Their unwavering kindness and bright smiles make our patients feel welcome while their organisation and work ethic supports the team. Our nurses felt the love on International Nurses Day, the 12th of May. They provide patients with a compassionate hand, empathetic ear, and healing touch. The doctors were celebrated on the 19th of May for World Family Doctor Day. They bring health and positivity into patients’ lives with their empathy, and knowledge and skills in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Urine Incontinence, Corporate Flu Vaccinations, Iron Infusions, Weight Management & Dietetic Services, and Travel Medicine.

Our practice is a family of food lovers, so we celebrated the best way we know: cheese! The team took time out of their busy schedules to enjoy, connect and, most importantly, appreciate their own and each other’s efforts.

How you can say thank you

If you missed out on celebrating these notable days, just remember that it is never too late to say, ‘thank you’. Although they remind us to recognise the people that care for us, appreciation isn’t confined to certain days of the year.

Our healthcare professionals are driven by your health outcomes, so don’t be afraid to tell them how they’ve helped you!

Learn more about the incredible team of doctors, nurses and receptionists .

Thank you!

We appreciate your hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Healthy Heart Month April

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Tue, 10 May 2022 23:38:13 GMT

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness (AIHW), in 2019, cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and vascular disease – or those conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels) was the underlying cause of about 25% of all deaths in Australia, and responsible for 5.2% of all hospitalisations around the country. (1)

Last month, we ran a healthy heart campaign throughout all of April at Cleveland Medical. The response from our eligible patients (30-74 years) was amazing, with many booking appointments for their FREE Healthy Heart Check with our GPs.

Following on from the success and in the lead up to Heart Health Week (2-8 of May), we asked some of our GPs to share their top tips for improving heart health.

Dr Naveen Thalluri

“ Sometimes genetics are at play when it comes to risk factors for heart disease and there is little you can do about this. However, there are some valuable lifestyle factors we can all adopt to improve our general heart health and wellbeing. Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, make heart-healthy food choices, be active and limit your alcohol intake .”

Dr Sabitha Yakkala

“ Evidence indicates there are some conditions that increase your risk of heart disease (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes), so having an annual health check and then working with your GP to monitor your bloodwork is important to improving your risks of having a heart attack or stroke. I’m also a believer in reducing stress (wherever possible), maintaining a healthy weight and healthy diet, staying hydrated, and participating in regular exercise (just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a difference) .”

Dr Maryna Olivier

“ The Heart Foundation (2) offers some resources that everyone can access and provides some insights into steps you can take to protect your heart. My personal favourites include keep moving (evidence shows physical exercise can improve blood pressure and overall heart health), follow a heart healthy eating pattern (or seek advice from your GP or a dietitian on improving your nutrition intake) and maintain a healthy weight. ”

The Doctors at Cleveland Medical are passionate about preventative health and are always available for health assessments and to discuss your individual risk factors with regards to heart health. Offering a patient-centred approach which is collaborative, proactive, and supportive; be sure to book an appointment and learn how to improve your health today.

(1) Australian Institute of Health and Wellness. Heart, stroke and vascular disease – Australian Facts. (Last updated 29 Sep 2021). Link - Heart, stroke and vascular disease

(2) Heart Foundation. Are you at risk of heart disease? Link - Are you at risk of heart disease?

Flu Vaccinations

pm@clevelandmedical.com.au (Yvonne Brennan) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:12:15 GMT

Influenza is most prevalent in Australia between April and October each year, and is a highly contagious respiratory illness that typically presents with any or all of the below symptoms:

Sneezing
Sore Throat
Headache
Body aches and pains
Chest discomfort / cough
Exhaustion, fatigue and/or weakness
Fever

Why get the 2022 Flu Vaccine?

Every year getting the flu vaccine is important. However, this flu season it’ll be even more important to remain hygiene vigilant and get vaccinated, due to open borders and the complications of contracting COVID-19 and the flu. Vaccinating against this season’s influenza will help reduce the risk of contracting a double-up of both influenza and COVID-19 – both of which affect the respiratory system.

An annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all Australians aged 6 months and older as the vaccine changes from year to year to account for new strains. The Australian Influenzas Vaccine Committee (AVIC) has recommended the following viruses be included for the 2022 southern hemisphere influenza season, with the inclusion of two new virus strains (1):

Egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:

an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
a B/Austria/1359417/2021-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus; and
a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.

Cell- or recombinant-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:

an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/Darwin/6/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.

Is it safe?

Yes – all vaccines in Australia are registered with the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and have to meet certain standards before being approved as safe and effective by the TGA.

What is the cost of getting the 2022 Flu Vaccine?

According to the Australian Government Department of Health, the following individuals are at most risk of complications from influenza, and are subsequently eligible to receive a free annual vaccine under the annual National Immunisation Program (2):

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
People aged 6 months or over who have a medical condition that means they have a higher risk of getting serious disease (e.g. those with heart disease, lung disease and/or respiratory complications, diabetes etc.)
Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
People aged 65 years and over.

For all other patients, there is a $20 charge for the vaccine , however with a valid Medicare card, the consultation fee is bulk billed, when booked as a flu vaccination appointment or through our flu clinic.

To book a flu vaccination for yourself and your family please contact our reception tea m on 07 3286 6899 or book an appointment online. And if you’re a local business looking for a corporate flu vaccination program, please contact our Practice Manager by calling reception or emailing pm@clevelandmedical.com.au so the individual needs of your organisation can be discussed and quoted.

( 1) Australian Government Department of Health – Therapeutic Goods Administration 2021. AIVC recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccine for Australia in 2022.

(2) Australian Government Department of Health 2022. Influenza (flu) immunisation service.

Travelling Abroad

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 04:04:18 GMT

As the world reopens and international travel becomes something Australians can once again enjoy, it’s important to consider your travel health. And whilst COVID-19 has dominated the health industry news over the last two years, when it comes to travel, it isn’t the only risk to consider.

When travelling abroad, there are typically three (3) categories your doctor will consider with respect to travel vaccines:

Routinely recommended vaccines (not specific to travelling overseas)
Selected vaccines based on travel itinerary, activities and likely risk of disease exposure
Vaccines required by the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR) or for entry into specific countries

Typically, contracting the flu (or even a common cold), sustaining a tetanus-prone wound, and contracting food and drink-borne diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid are also considered common risks to travellers.

Looking at Hepatitis A and typhoid fever, both of these diseases are transmitted by the faecal-oral route, primarily through ingesting contaminated food or water. They are commonly contracted in developing countries with inadequate hygiene measures, and as a result are at a higher risk of both transmission and infection. ^(1,2)

The Australian Immunisation Handbook, which is developed by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and approved by the National health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC); recommends a combined hepatitis A/typhoid vaccine be administered (that lasts up to 3 years) to those aged of 16 years and over who are intending on travelling to developing nations (or those at an increased risk of these diseases). ^(1,2)

Vaccines your doctor may recommend for you when travelling include (but are not limited to): ⁽³⁾

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis – or at the very least a booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine if the last dose was more than 10 years ago
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Influenza and/or Pneumococcal Disease
COVID-19
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) – if born after 1966 and have not received two (2) doses of MMR vaccine before travelling
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Malaria Prophylaxis
Meningococcal Disease
Cholera
Yellow Fever – depending on the region of travel

Cleveland Medical operates a travel clinic (and is an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic) for the benefit of our patients to ensure they are well prepared before travelling. Offering a patient-centred approach which is collaborative, proactive, and supportive; we recommend making a travel consultation booking at least 6-8 weeks prior to your travel date (although even earlier can be more advantageous).

Whether you’re headed to the USA for a sight-seeing and ski holiday, or off to Tanzania for a safari experience, be sure to book an appointment and chat with your GP to ensure you have a travel safe plan for your health on your next overseas holiday.

(1) Department of Health. Australian Immunisation Handbook: Hepatitis A. Link - Hepatitis A | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au)

(2) Department of Health. Australian Immunisation Handbook: Typhoid fever. Link - Typhoid fever | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au)

(3) Smart Traveller. Vaccinations and Preventative Health. Link - Vaccinations and preventative health | Smartraveller

Cleveland Medical News

Travel Medicine Essentials

Talk with the Doctors at Cleveland Medical and get the help you need to better understand the risks associated with travel and taking preventive measures for a safe and healthy trip. Let them prioritise your health with you, so this next adventure isn’t remembered for all the wrong reasons!

Women's Health Week 2024

Caring for Seniors

i-scribe

Cleveland Medical and i-scribe

Mental health conversations!

Better Consult helps start mental health conversations!

﻿

Healthy Habits

Healthy Habits App

tthttps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-ap/ps://healthyhabits.racgp.org.au/phone-app/

BetterConsult

Annual Health Check

12 ways of Christmas self-care

Twelve ways of Christmas self-care

Balanced diets and healthy bodies

Top tips for a healthier you

A balanced diet is a healthy diet

More than just fuel

Pack your bags. We’re going on vacation!

Be kind and patient

Creating a safe workplace for healthcare workers

What is patient aggression or violence?

What are the effects of patient aggression or violence?

Aggression will not be tolerated.

Appreciating the team!

Caring for those who care for us

How we say thank you

How you can say thank you

Thank you!

Healthy Heart Month April

Flu Vaccinations

Why get the 2022 Flu Vaccine?

Is it safe?

What is the cost of getting the 2022 Flu Vaccine?

( 1) Australian Government Department of Health – Therapeutic Goods Administration 2021. AIVC recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccine for Australia in 2022.

(2) Australian Government Department of Health 2022. Influenza (flu) immunisation service.

Travelling Abroad