Before you set off
Travel kit and vaccination advice
We would be glad to put together a travel health kit for you or to check whether the one you already have is still complete and within its shelf life. We can also review your vaccination status with you, taking into account your destination, the length of your journey and the protection you already have. Since some vaccinations need to be given well in advance, it is advisable to come and see us as early as possible before your departure.
The essentials
A basic travel kit need not be extensive, and it covers those complaints which experience shows to be the most common on journeys. Which products are suitable, and in what dosage, does however depend on whether children are travelling with you, whether you are pregnant and which medicines you take regularly.
- Pain relief and fever-reducing medicines
- A remedy for diarrhoea and, for travel to hot regions, oral rehydration salts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
- A remedy for travel sickness
- Plasters, blister plasters and a disinfectant
- Sun protection suited to the season and altitude of your destination
- An antihistamine if you have sensitive skin or known allergies
- Insect repellent and, in areas where ticks are prevalent, tick protection
Regular medication and travel documents
Please carry your regular medication in its original packaging and in sufficient quantity for the entire journey, ideally with a reserve for a few additional days in case your return should be delayed. An up-to-date list of your medicines, stating the name, strength and dosage of each, also proves extremely useful abroad.
For certain countries a medical certificate is advisable as well, for example for injectable or liquid medicines or for controlled drugs. Such a certificate is issued by your doctor, and we will let you know whether one might be required for your journey. Medicines that you need during the flight naturally belong in your hand luggage.
Tailored to your destination
A week in Italy in May makes quite different demands from a trekking holiday in South-East Asia or a cruise with young children. If you tell us your destination country, region and altitude, the dates of your trip and the kind of travel you have in mind, we can assemble a kit that contains everything you need without burdening you with anything superfluous.
We are glad to advise you on malaria prophylaxis and country-specific travel vaccinations and to check your vaccination record for any gaps.
Vaccination advice
As part of our vaccination advice, we draw up and review your personal vaccination schedule by establishing which vaccinations are documented in your vaccination record, what the Austrian vaccination plan recommends, and what is required or recommended for your destination. Since yellow fever vaccinations may be administered only at specially authorised centres, we will alert you in good time should this vaccination be necessary for your destination.
We recommend that, where possible, you visit us at Heinrichstraße 3, 8010 Graz a few weeks before you travel; our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 12 noon. Even shortly before departure, however, advice remains worthwhile, since a carefully checked travel health kit will give you peace of mind while you are away.
Frequently asked
Can the pharmacy put together a travel health kit for me?
Yes, we assemble travel health kits and review existing ones. So that we can tailor yours as closely as possible to your trip, please let us know your destination, the length of your journey and who will be travelling with you.
When should I come in for travel health advice?
If vaccinations are needed, we recommend visiting a few weeks before departure, whereas a few days are sufficient for assembling the travel kit itself. In either case, please bring your vaccination record and a list of your regular medication.
Can I take medicines in my hand luggage?
Medicines that you need during the flight belong in your hand luggage, ideally in their original packaging and accompanied by a list of your medication. Since some countries require additional documentation for certain active ingredients, we are happy to clarify this with reference to your destination.
What should I bring to a travel health consultation?
It is helpful to have details of your destination, travel dates and fellow travellers to hand, together with your vaccination record and a list of your regular medication stating the name, strength and dosage of each medicine.
Can I reuse the travel kit from my last holiday?
In principle, yes, though only after it has been checked, since opened drops and liquid medicines are often no longer usable and a new destination may call for different contents. We would be pleased to carry out this check with you.
