On the move? Keep your family safe these school holidays

Take steps to protect yourself and your family against infectious diseases these school holidays. 

Stay up to date with important vaccinations and understand the risks if you are travelling.

You should:  

• be prepared and know what health risks can occur and how to prevent them 
• if travelling, speak to your doctor or health professional  
• take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from illness.  

Why it's important 

Increased social activities and travel over the school holidays can contribute to infectious diseases spreading.  

This is because: 

• social gatherings and crowds increase the risk of some illnesses 
• outdoor activities, like camping and fishing, can increase exposure to mosquitoes carrying viruses. 

Overseas travel to some destinations can also increase the risk of getting infectious diseases due to: 

• poor water quality and sanitation  
• exposure to animals and insects that carry diseases 
• outbreaks of vaccine preventable and other diseases. 

What you can do 

Ways to protect yourself these school holidays 

To reduce your risk of infectious diseases:  

• make sure you are up to date with recommended vaccinations, especially those on the National Immunisation Program Schedule 
• protect yourself from mosquitoes, and check whether you are travelling to an area at risk for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection – you may be eligible for vaccination 
• protect yourself from respiratory diseases that may be circulating in the area, including Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough.  
• if you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, keep up to date with immunisation for pregnancy. 

If you’re travelling overseas 

If you’re planning to travel overseas – even if you are visiting family or friends – see your general practitioner or travel doctor.  

Your doctor will check that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and advise if you need other vaccinations or medications. They can also advise on any other steps you should take to protect yourself. These might depend on where you’re travelling and what activities you’re planning to do. 

Learn more about infectious disease risks overseas. Visit the Vaccine Hub to explore suggested vaccines for where you're going. 

Learn more 

Read more about: 

• JEV 
• RSV 
• seasonal influenza 
• COVID-19 
• whooping cough 
• measles. 

Also see: 

• Smartraveller 
• healthdirect travel advice 
• the statement from the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer about measles in Australia.