Antarctica
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth. It is approximately 14.2 million sq. km, the vast majority of which is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet, which has an average thickness of over 1,600 m. The average elevation of Antarctica is over 2,000 m. Despite harsh conditions, it is home to hundreds of animal species and has thousands of tourists visit each year. On the coast, the average annual temperature is -10°C , while higher inland it averages -60°C.
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Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Pre-travel preparation will help keep you safe and healthy while you are away. Please consult the Travel Doctor-TMVC before you travel overseas. We will provide specific recommendations tailored to your itinerary. Our doctors will assess and advise you on your risks, and recommend appropriate vaccination and medication to minimise your risk of becoming seriously unwell on your trip.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Cold Climates
Cold temperatures are not something to be trifled with; it is critical that you are dressed appropriately and know the warning signs for frostbite and hypothermia.
Dress Appropriately
Wear several insulating layers of clothing. Loose clothing allows warm air to be trapped next to the skin, while a waterproof outer layer will keep you dry. Wet clothing can easily freeze, causing heat insulation to be lost. Wear two pairs of socks in shoes or boots. Tight fitting shoes cause cold toes, leading to frostbite. Keeping hands warm is far easier in mittens than gloves. A lightweight glove inside a heavier mitten allows more movement and insulation.
Head and Eye Wear
Around 80% of body heat is lost through the head. Wear a hat that covers the ears which can easily be frostbitten. UV sunglasses are also very important in the snow as the glare from above and below can cause cataracts and other permanent vision impairment. Glasses with side flanges or 'wrap around' glasses stop light entering from the sides.
Health Risks
No additional health risks found.
Health Alerts
No health alerts found.
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")