Year 12 students who have finished their HSC are urged to get vaccinated before they head overseas for Schoolies Week.
Measles and hepatitis A are common in many countries, and travellers may contract infections and return to Australia.
Nine people brought measles into NSW this year, after catching the infection overseas. The infection spread to 23 more people in NSW.
“Before heading overseas it’s important to see you GP and get vaccinated against infectious diseases in your holiday destinations to protect yourself and avoid bringing diseases back to Australia,” Director Communicable Diseases NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said.
For measles, two life-time doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is freely available, offering protection against the infection in 99 per cent of people.
“By having the first dose before leaving Australia you significantly reduce your risk of contracting the disease,” Dr Sheppeard said.
Also, for hepatitis A, a one dose vaccine is offered to travellers two weeks before the travel date.
A follow-up dose will be available six months after, and provide lifelong protection.
In addition to getting vaccinated, students are also urged to avoid handling animals to prevent rabies, which is particularly risky in all Asian destinations including Bali and Thailand.
“Rabies is almost always fatal, so if Schoolies are bitten or scratched by a monkey or dog overseas they should wash the wound thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention,” Dr Sheppeard said.
Further, students are urged to pack insect repellent to protect themselves against viruses such as Zika, dengue and Ross River Fever.