Shot Requirements for Travel to Europe

Shot Requirements for Travel to Europe
Whether you are traveling to Europe for business or backpacking across the continent, certain health requirements might need to be met before your departure. A doctor specializing in travel medicine can help you determine everything needed for the particular location you are going to in Europe, but the basics are listed below.

Routine Vaccinations

No matter where you are going to in Europe, check with your doctor to make sure that all your routine vaccinations are up to date. These include tetanus, measles, polio, mumps and other inoculations. Also, since it is relatively new, if you are an adult and have never had the chicken pox, it would also be a good idea to get this vaccine as well. And especially during the winter months, the CDC recommends that you get a flu vaccine as well.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travel throughout Europe. Especially those who might be exposed to blood such as health workers or those involved in more intense contact sports.

Rabies

A rabies vaccine is needed if you are going hiking or camping and will be around wildlife. If you are planning on being around wild animals, there is a risk of exposure to rabies. Also if you will be in places where rodents might dwell such as fields or old buildings, the vaccine is recommended.

Hepatitis A

If traveling in Eastern Europe, the CDC recommends you get the hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A is normally contracted through food and water and can occur even in a sanitary kitchen.

Typhoid

Typhoid is also a concern in Eastern European countries, and the vaccine is needed by all traveling in the area. This is especially true if you will be traveling through the smaller towns or planning to eat with locals. It also is spread through food and water, and is related to sanitary conditions.

Malaria

If you're traveling in certain Eastern European countries near the border of Asia such as Tajkistan and will be outdoors, malaria medication might be recommended by your doctor. If suggested, make sure you get your antimalarial drugs before you leave on your trip. Drug standards are not always the same in other countries, and you want to ensure that you are getting quality medication.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com
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