Holiday Season Safety

Holiday Season Safety

Here's some health advice to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy this holiday season.

Travelling Overseas? Don't let illness ruin your trip!

Victorians travelling overseas are at increased risk of a range of vaccine preventable diseases, including measles, mpox, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and mosquito-borne diseases. Plan and prepare to get the most out of your holiday. Seek medical advice, get immunised if you need to, and do what you can ahead of time to protect your health and safety while travelling. Speak with your doctor or travel clinic about which immunisations you may need, at least 6-8 weeks before heading away. This could include: 

  • Cholera 
  • Hepatitis A 
  • Japanese encephalitis 
  • Meningococcal disease 
  • Measles 
  • Rabies 
  • Respiratory infections (COVID-19 & Influenza) 
  • Tick-born encephalitis 
  • Typhoid fever 
  • Tuberculosis 
  • Yellow fever 

Click here for more information on Rabies prevention and management. 

For more travel advice, especially around staying safe whilst overseas, visit Better Health Channel and Smart Traveller. 

For clinicians, check out Health Pathways, The Australian Immunisation Handbook or the Yellow Book for up-to-date vaccine advice based on travel itinerary and risk assessment.  

Measles is still common in many countries. Australia has seen a resurgence in measles cases, most of which have been linked to overseas travel. 

  • Even one case can cause outbreaks when travellers return home. 
  • If you’re not sure of your vaccination status, get vaccinated before you go. 

Holidaying in Australia? Stay Safe Over Summer

There’s lots to enjoy during summer in Australia. It’s a great time to entertain friends, go swimming, enjoy the warm weather, and spend time outsideThere are lots of things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this festive season. 

Summer brings the risk of mosquitoes, extreme heat, weather emergencies, sunburn, and drowning. Have a read through our other resources to learn how to keep yourself and loved ones safe this summer holiday season. 

Safe Food Preparation 

  • Hot weather increases the risk of food poisoning. 
  • Always keep perishable foods well refrigerated until needed or in a cooler kept cold with ice or ice packs. 
  • Wash hands and utensils before and after handling raw meat. 
  • Don’t leave food in the sun— refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on staying safe over the holidays, visit the Travel and holidays | Better Health Channel