Fiji is a favourite for Australian families, honeymooners and divers. It is close to home, but its health risks are different to Australia's, and medical care outside the main centres is limited. A pre-travel check means you can relax and enjoy the islands.
Key points
- Typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines are commonly recommended for Fiji.
- Smartraveller advises getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease before you travel to Fiji.
- Fiji is prone to outbreaks of mosquito-borne illness. Use repellent day and night.
- Typhoid and leptospirosis cases have been reported. Avoid flooded rivers and creeks and wear footwear outdoors.
- There is no malaria in Fiji, according to the CDC.
Travelling soon? A TMA travel doctor can tailor your vaccines and advice to your itinerary.
Which vaccinations do I need?
The right vaccines depend on your itinerary, length of stay, activities, age and health. These are the vaccines most often discussed.
Routine vaccines, including measles
Check your routine vaccines are up to date before any overseas trip. The Australian Immunisation Handbook advises that Australians born in or after 1966 who have not had 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine should generally have MMR before travel. Smartraveller notes Fiji has experienced measles outbreaks in the past. See our measles and travel checklist.
Hepatitis A
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends hepatitis A vaccine for travellers aged 1 year and over going to countries where hepatitis A is common, unless they are already immune. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine may be recommended for travellers aged 2 years and over to several South Pacific nations, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, particularly for longer stays, rural travel or visiting friends and relatives. It is available as an injection or oral capsules.
Meningococcal disease
Smartraveller advises that meningococcal disease can often be fatal and recommends getting vaccinated before you travel to Fiji. Get treatment straight away for high fever, light sensitivity or nausea.
Is there malaria in Fiji?
No. The CDC lists no malaria in Fiji, so malaria tablets are not needed. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue still occur, so bite prevention matters. See our dengue guide.
Food, water and seafood
Smartraveller notes that waterborne and foodborne diseases are common in Fiji, and that eating seafood can be a hazard because of naturally occurring toxins. Get urgent medical care if you suspect seafood poisoning. Kava can be dangerous if combined with alcohol or some prescription medicines, including antidepressants.
Leptospirosis
Cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Fiji. Avoid wading or swimming in flooded rivers and creeks, cover cuts, and wear footwear outdoors.
Medical care and evacuation
Smartraveller warns that medical care in Fiji is limited, many hospitals provide only basic care and ambulance services are limited. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Australia, which can be very expensive, so make sure your travel insurance covers evacuation. Divers should note Fiji has hyperbaric chambers in Suva and Nadi. The emergency number in Fiji is 911.
When should I see a travel doctor?
Healthdirect recommends seeing your doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. Every TMA member clinic offers pre-travel consultations and is an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Fiji?
No. The CDC lists no malaria in Fiji.
Do I need a typhoid vaccine for Fiji?
It is commonly recommended. The Australian Immunisation Handbook lists several South Pacific nations among the regions where typhoid vaccine may be recommended, and Smartraveller notes typhoid cases have been reported in Fiji.
How long before my trip should I see a travel doctor?
Ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, so there is time for vaccines that need more than one dose. If you are leaving sooner, an appointment is still worthwhile.
Find a TMA travel doctor near you.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Recommendations change, so speak with your doctor before you travel.