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United States (USA)

The USA is a popular destination for Australian travellers.
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Travellers to the USA can indulge in a broad range of experiences, from the hustle and bustle of the major cities, sporting events, and festivals, to the quite wilderness of a variety of national parks. 

The USA has health concerns similar to Australia.  Most issues would relate to individuals being at greater risk of exposure to respiratory tract disease in congested airports, commercial transport (buses, trains, taxis) and tourist hot-spots.  

Travel Vaccinations for the USA

Those with chronic health issues should see their healthcare provider 6-8 weeks before travel. It is important to be current for all the recommended routine vaccines.

Routine

Completed childhood immunisations, Tetanus/ Diphtheria/ Pertussis vaccine booster if > 10 years, Influenza > 65 years, Influenza > 6 months and < 5 years, Pneumonia vaccine > 65 years, Shingles > 65 years, RSV vaccine > 75 years.

Routine (other)

To consider if immune-suppressed (check with health provider).

Recommended

Influenza, COVID-19.

To be considered if exposed to wildlife species. Individuals may include conservationists, ecologists, biologists or veterinarians

Rabies.

Particular to age

Measles booster if born between 1966 and 1980.

Travel Considerations

Consider taking a basic medical kit plus extras according to your intended activities. Always carry a letter regarding your medications and make sure it is easily accessible. Never travel without insurance.

Accidents

Travellers are much more likely to die or be injured than to be sick with an exotic disease. Travellers in the age group 15-44 are...

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Allergy

Allergy can present in different ways. Red, itchy lumps can occur anywhere on the body. Inhaled allergens eg pollens can cause an itchy runny nose and...

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Bed Bugs

Bedbugs are intensely irritating blood sucking insects that are found worldwide. They hide in cracks and crevices in the wall and come out to feed at night ...

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Extreme Weather

Apparently, a naked adult human feels most thermally comfortable in an air temperature of 30 deg C. We have complex mechanisms to thermo-regulate, so that ...

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Mosquito Avoidance Measures

Mosquito-borne and insect-borne diseases pose a significant threat to travellers, especially those who are considering a long-term stay in a...

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Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections (RTI’s) are the 3rd most common health issue affecting international travellers. Attack rates range from 5% to 40% depending on the...

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Security

For most people, overseas travel is “occasional” rather than “usual”. For some it is a very new experience. Security issues should not be forgotten...

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Travel Insurance

There is nothing wrong with travelling on the cheap. It is almost a rite of passage for young travellers. It often means very basic accommodation, street...

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Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the commonest health issue experienced by travellers to lower income countries. Applies more for travellers who have grown up in a high-income...

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Diseases

Medkit

Hantavirus

Group of viruses mostly carried by rodents (mice, rats, voles). ..

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Medkit

Covid-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused...

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Medkit

Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious respiratory virus...

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Medkit

West Nile Virus

It is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected...

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Medkit

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza or “bird flu” is a very infectious disease of...

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Medkit

Zika

Zika is a viral disease transmitted from animals and...

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Medkit

Mpox

Mpox is mostly transmitted to humans through physical contact...

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In the News

  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 31, 2026

Measles in the United States - time for a red card?

US measles cases have passed 2,300 for 2026, exceeding last year's full-year total. Dr Bob Kass asks whether the United States should lose its measles-free status, and what Australian travellers need to know about their own measles immunisation.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 22, 2026

Measles in the United States. Falling vaccination rates are a major concern.

The United States coverage rates for kindergarten age children has now fallen below the desired target of 95%. Larger drops are being experienced in some communities around the country. Australia's coverage is also falling.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 5, 2026

The FIFA World Cup is a mass gathering event. Prepare well for memories, not regrets.

The largest World Cup yet runs across sixteen cities with very different conditions. What Australian travellers should plan for before they go, from measles and vaccinations to travel insurance.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 7, 2025

A trip down memory lane - why whooping cough deaths are re-emerging in 2025

Whooping cough is rising rapidly across the United States, with multiple infant deaths reported and case numbers surpassing pre pandemic levels...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 21, 2025

Plague still exists - A rare US death highlights ongoing global presence

Health officials in Coconino County, Arizona, have recently confirmed a fatal case of pneumonic plague. According to the report...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 21, 2025

Another preventable measles death in Texas

According to news reports, another child has died from measles in the Texas outbreak. This brings to two the number...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 10, 2025

The strange case of a death from hantavirus in the United States

According to news reports, renowned pianist, Betsy Arakawa, the partner of Gene Hackman died from the complications of cardiopulmonary syndrome caused by an organism called hantavirus

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 4, 2025

Measles risk in unexpected places - what US & Canadian outbreaks mean for travellers

A total of 164 cases have been notified across 9 jurisdictions of the United States...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 4, 2024

Hepatitis A case linked to food handler in California

The recent report of a food handler with hepatitis A again highlights the importance of hepatitis A vaccination...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 22, 2024

Ongoing Avian Influenza Outbreak in the USA

According to the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC), 11 cases...

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Last Updated: 21 April 2025

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