Traveling to EASTERN EUROPE?
Preventable disease “highlights”:
The vaccine-preventable diseases present in Eastern Europe are similar to those present in the United States and Western Europe. Tickborne Encephalitis, a potentially deadly viral infection carried by ticks, is a disease not usually found in the US and present more commonly in Eastern Europe than Western Europe. As in the United States, outbreaks of Measles, Mumps, and other diseases can occur, particularly if the population of a country is inadequately vaccinated.
Specific Vaccinations available in the US for trips to Eastern Europe:
Hepatitis A:
(from contaminated food or water) The vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Eastern Europe.
Hepatitis B:
(from contaminated bodily fluids or medical instruments) The vaccine is recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids while working in healthcare-related environments or through unprotected intimate contact. It should also be considered as prevention in case you are injured and need to be treated in a healthcare facility in Eastern Europe.
Rabies:
(from bites, scratches, or saliva exposure involving infected animals) The vaccine is recommended if you work with animals or are spending significant amounts of time outdoors where you may be exposed to animals. This time can include not only hiking, camping, caving, etc., but traveling through or visiting cities/town/villages with high numbers of unvaccinated animals.
Tickborne Encephalitis:
(from infected tics) The vaccine is recommended for travelers to specific countries who plan on spending significant time outdoors in wooded areas or who consume unpasteurized dairy products. Although this disease can be found in Western Europe and Asia, it is more common in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, the vaccine is NOT available in the US, but it can be located in Europe upon arrival from the US.
Country-specific vaccine recommendations for Eastern Europe can be found on the CDC Website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We provide these vaccines during your appointment at our Travel Vaccine Clinic.
Traveler’s diarrhea treatment, altitude medication, and other prescriptions may also be indicated, depending upon your itinerary.
Always make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations (Adult Routine Vaccinations) when traveling to Eastern Europe. Your vaccination history should be reviewed and updated by anyone you see for travel shots.