Aussie vaccinations
March 7, 2013
AUSTRALIANS visiting friends and
relatives (VFR's) overseas are
significantly less likely to get
vaccinated than other travellers,
despite having the highest risk of
infection, according to new
research from Sanofi Pasteur.
The study was conducted among
1,042 Aussies aged 18+ who had
travelled overseas in the last 5 years.
According to the results, up to
86% of VFR’s are not getting
appropriately vaccinated when
travelling to countries with high risk
of disease including Asia and India.
This was in comparison to 73% of
travellers who were travelling for
other reasons including holiday,
leisure or business.
Worryingly the research
suggested that almost one in three
travellers believe that Aussies
visiting friends and relatives in
developing countries are less likely
to become sick during their stay,
compared to those who aren’t
visiting friends and relatives.
Moreover the survey also found
that more than 28% of travellers
believe that Australians who have
ancestors from developing
countries are likely to have that
same genetic protection to diseases
which are common in that country.
Speaking about the results,
National Medical Advisor for Travel
Doctor, Dr Tony Gherardin, said
“VFR’s tend to disregard health
warnings as they believe their
heritage and connection with the
region gives them some kind of
immunity.
“The reality is these immunities
won’t stay intact after years of
separation from an area,” he added.
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