Pre-arrival health tip #1: Immunisations

Immunisation protects you from many infections. It is important that you are immunised well before you begin your journey. You may have had all recommended vaccines as a child, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure you’re covered. 

It is strongly recommended that you are immunised against the following diseases:

• Measles**, mumps, rubella (make sure that you have had two doses sometime during your life)
• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (make sure that you were immunised as a child, and – if available -- that you have received booster doses)
• Polio** (make sure that you were immunised as a child and have received booster doses)

• The current season’s influenza vaccine
• Meningococcal disease serogroup C (if available)
• Chickenpox (if you have never had the infection) 

** = Measles and polio are especially important.  

You may like to take this message to your doctor and ask him or her to write down a list of the immunisations you’ve had. Bring this list with you. Some of these immunisations require more than one dose over a few months, so now is the time to speak with your doctor.  

Any person over the age of one year from a yellow fever infected country is required to posses a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Check with your local health department if you are unsure if you require this immunisation. Immunisations are a simple way to give yourself an extra edge on staying healthy and having fun at WYD08.  

Pre-arrival health tip #2 – Yellow fever vaccination requirements 

Pilgrims from countries at risk of yellow fever transmission (see below) must be vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to Australia for WYD08. If you have been in one of these countries in the 6 days before arriving in Australia, you will be asked to show a current International Certificate of Vaccination when you arrive. To be current, vaccination is required in the last 10 years. 

The International Health Regulations (revised June 2007) indicate certain countries are at risk of yellow fever transmission. Pilgrims who have stayed overnight in any of these countries in the previous 6 days must be vaccinated:

Angola,
Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire,
Democratic Republic of Condo,
Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
French Guyana,
Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Kenya,
Liberia,
Mali, Mauritania,
Niger, Nigeria,
Panama, Peru,
Rwanda,
Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname,
Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago,
Uganda 
Venezuela. 

Pre-arrival health tip #3

Staying warm during WYD08: what to bring 

WYD08 will take place during Sydney’s winter, when average temperatures range from 8ºC (approximately 46ºF) to 16.9ºC (approximately 62ºF). As all major WYD08 events take place outside, it is important that you are able to stay warm and dry for extended periods of time, especially if you choose to participate in the overnight Sleep Out. 

It is essential to have:

• Fully waterproof jacket/coat and pants
• A warm hat – wool is best (You lose 50% of body heat from your head!)
• Thick socks and closed-toe shoes or boots
• A warm winter sweater/pullover or jacket
• A thick plastic ground sheet (for Sleep Out)
• A sleeping bag rated to a least 0ºC or 32ºF. Remember, if a down sleeping bag gets wet, it won’t keep you warm. Synthetic sleeping bags are recommended (for Sleep Out).
• Plastic bags to store a spare set of dry clothing (for Sleep Out). 

Also recommended for the Sleep Out:

• A bivouac bag/swag to keep you and your gear dry.  

Unlike cotton, synthetic fabrics will dry quickly and keep you warm even when wet. Wool will not dry quickly but does retain warmth. Keep this in mind when packing and avoid wearing jeans (which are cotton) on rainy days. Staying warm, especially in the rain, is an important way to prevent illness.

More detailed health information is available from NSW Health.