Philippines
REGION: South East Asia
Travel checklist before you go
- Check passport is valid
- Get visas for countries you are visiting/transiting through
- Get travel insurance
- Check the current travel advisory for the country
- Have a health check-up and speak to a healthcare professional for information about travel health and disease information for your trip
- Have all required medications (prescription and over the counter), ensuring you take your prescription with you and keep your medication in its original box
- Contact your bank and let them know you are travelling and if your cards will work overseas
- Check to see if you will need an International Driving Permit
- Research local laws of countries you are planning to visit
- Share your itinerary and contact details with friends or family
Hepatitis A
This disease of the liver is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms may last for several weeks, but most people fully recover.
Hepatitis B
This disease of the liver is transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids.
Japanese encephalitis
This virus is found in many parts of Asia and is passed from animals – mainly pigs and wading birds – to humans via mosquitoes. While symptoms are rare, it can lead to serious, long-term complications.
Malaria
This infection of the liver and blood is caused by mosquito-borne parasites. In Australia, almost all cases of malaria are acquired while travelling.
Rabies
The rabies virus affects the nervous system and brain. A bite or scratch from an infected animal could put you at risk of rabies.
Typhoid
This bacterial infection is spread via contaminated food and water. It is common in countries with poor hygiene and untreated drinking water.
Yellow fever
This mosquito-borne virus is found in Africa and Central and South America. Proof of immunisation is needed if you are travelling from a country with risk.
Chickenpox (varicella)
With its typical red blistering and itchy rash, chickenpox is a highly contagious but generally mild infection.
Diphtheria
While now extremely rare in Australia, diphtheria continues to cause illness overseas.
Seasonal Influenza (flu)
This highly contagious viral infection can affect anyone and is more common in winter.
Meningococcal disease
Initial symptoms of meningococcal disease can be difficult to recognise, and can easily be mistaken for a common cold or virus.
Pneumococcal disease
A bacterial infection that usually affects the very young and the elderly. Others can be at risk of complications, too.
Polio
Polio is rare in Australia but is a serious disease that is caused by infection with poliovirus.
Rubella
Also called German measles, rubella is generally a mild infection. Yet it can have serious, lifelong consequences for unborn babies or can lead to miscarriage.
Tetanus
Caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and manure, which enter the body through wounds or breaks in the skin.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
This bacterial infection is highly contagious and affects people of all ages. It can cause serious disease in babies and complications in older adults.
More information: Philippines
Smart Traveller – Philippines, Health
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Philippines
PM-AU-AVX-WCNT-190023 Date of GSK Approval: December 2020
