With its turquoise lagoons, French charm, and South Pacific warmth, New Caledonia is a favourite destination for Australian travellers looking for a tropical escape. While it may feel close to home, travellers should still take steps to protect their health before departure.
At Walker Street Doctors, we help ensure your trip is safe, relaxing, and illness-free.
Recommended Vaccinations for New Caledonia
For all travellers—regardless of length of stay—we recommend the following:
Routine Vaccines
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT booster): A must every 10 years.
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Polio: Ensure you’re fully immunised, especially if childhood doses were incomplete.
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Influenza & Pneumococcal: Recommended for those over 65 or with underlying conditions.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
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Hepatitis A: Commonly spread via food or water—recommended for all travellers.
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Hepatitis B: Especially important if you:
- May require medical treatment
- Have sexual contact with locals
- Will be staying longer than 6 months
Routine in Australian infants; check if you're up to date.
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Typhoid: Spread through contaminated food or water—recommended for all durations of stay.
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Yellow Fever: Only required if arriving from a yellow fever risk country (including long transits >12 hours).
Note: In the event of an epidemic threat in the region, local authorities may require proof of specific vaccinations.
Insect-Borne Diseases in New Caledonia
Several illnesses in New Caledonia are spread via mosquito bites. While vaccines are not available for most of these, prevention is highly effective.
Chikungunya
- Local transmission has been reported.
- Carried by mosquitoes that bite day and night, indoors and outdoors.
- Can cause fatigue, fever, rash, and prolonged joint pain.
Dengue
- Risk exists throughout the year.
- Can cause severe illness in rare cases, especially in those with prior infection.
Ross River Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis, Filariasis
- All present in the region.
- May be rare, but mosquito bite prevention is still essential.
To protect yourself from bites:
- Use insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Wear long, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
- Choose screened or air-conditioned accommodation
- Use mosquito nets if needed
Travel Health Support at Walker Street Doctors
Our travel medicine team can help with:
- Personalised vaccine advice based on your health and itinerary
- Insect repellent recommendations and travel kits
- Medical letters for insurance or border requirements
- Calm, comprehensive care before you fly
⏰ We recommend booking your travel consult 2–4 weeks before departure for full protection.
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