How safe and necessary is the measles vaccine?
It is very safe and very necessary.
Measles is usually a relatively mild disease, but it may cause severe problems in a small number of children. These problems can include brain inflammation, ear infections, pneumonia, eye infections, fitting and (rarely in U.S) death.
The complications of the vaccine are extremely rare, and relatively mild. The most common (3%) is a very mild attack of the measles.
It is a vaccine that is normally combined with that against mumps and rubella, and so is very beneficial. It is normally given at 12 months of age, and again at five years of age.
If for no other reason than to avoid the inconvenience of a child developing the disease the day before you depart for your annual holiday, you should ensure that your child receives this vaccine.
Doctors hope that with intensive vaccination campaigns, measles may be totally eradicated in U.S.

Can you tell me about the new chickenpox vaccine that I have heard is now available. Is it a good idea?
The chickenpox {Varicella zoster) vaccine was first introduced to Australia in 2000 and is obviously a good idea if you want your child to avoid this infection, but it is not yet a routine vaccination, is not subsidized by the government, and is quite expensive (but not as expensive as missing a few days of work to eventually look after your sick child).
It is recommended for children from 9 months to 12 years of age, and only one injection is necessary. Older children and adults require two injections six weeks apart.
It is not for use in pregnancy, and must be used with caution in breast feeding. You should not have the vaccination if you are sensitive to neomycin, have received a blood transfusion recently or are suffering from a high fever.
The only common side effect is local soreness at injection site. Unusual side effects include a rash and a vaccinated person may rarely pass the virus on to an unvaccinated person to cause chickenpox.

What vaccinations are available to protect you against diseases when traveling in poorer countries?
There are a wide range of vaccinations available, but not all are necessary for all destinations. You will need to check with your GP to see which ones you need for your itinerary.
A vaccination programmed for overseas travel should commence five weeks before departure but may be completed in two weeks if absolutely necessary. Vaccinations that may be required include:
Cholera. A new oral vaccine now gives good protection for six months.
Hepatitis A. One vaccination of the latest vaccine (Havrix 1440) will give six to twelve months protection. A booster at this time will give long-term protection. Hepatitis A occurs everywhere in the world, but is more common in areas of poor hygiene.
Hepatitis B. Two vaccinations four to six weeks apart will give six months protection. Boosters at six months and five years will usually give long term protection. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix) is also available.
Malaria. Prevention involves taking the appropriate tablets for the areas being visited. Numerous combinations of tablets may be used. Some drug regimes must be taken for up to two weeks before entering a malarious area, and for up to a month after leaving. Dosages vary between a tablet every day to two tablets a week.
Meningococcal meningitis. One injection, five weeks before departure.
Typhoid. Three capsules, two days apart, give 12 months protection, OR one injection gives three to five years protection.
Yellow fever. One injection, five weeks before departure, gives ten years protection.
Immunoglobulin. In situations where there has been exposure to hepatitis A or other serious illnesses, or there is insufficient time for a normal course of vaccinations, one immunoglobulin injection gives protection for 6 to 12 weeks against numerous viral infections, depending on dose.
Japanese encephalitis. Two vaccinations, two weeks apart. It is required only for residence in rural areas of India, Nepal, China and South-East Asia.
All travellers should also ensure that their tetanus and polio (Sabin) vaccinations are up to date.