Travel vaccinations & medical travel advice

So you’ve booked your flight and accommodation for your holiday abroad. But have you thought about your health? Perhaps a few vaccinations would be a good idea for your travel destination.

Many infectious diseases, which are now virtually gone in Austria, are still extremely prevalent in other countries. Vaccinations protect you from infection with these diseases.

There are different guidelines and requirements for each destination. Whether you’re staying in Europe or are visiting distant lands: Make sure you are informed in time – preferably 4 to 6 weeks before you depart on your travels!

Those planning a trip should be well prepared but also get some advice! This means more than memorising the route, taking supplies and plane tickets and planning the most diverse vacation activities. Returning home healthy is key!

Travelling by car to the Mediterranean? Flying to the desert to Africa? Visiting the Tokyo Towers in Japan? Hiking through the jungle with a backpack? – Dangerous pathogens could be contracted throughout the world. Vaccinations can protect you against meningococcal diseases, rabies, yellow fever, diphtheria, cholera and many other diseases!

This is why it’s essential that you consult an experienced doctor prior to travelling and get some advice.

Before travelling, make sure that you have received all standard vaccinations in Austria and do not require any boosters. Additionally, find out which vaccinations you need to have for your travel destination. Irrespective of your travel plans, you should be vaccinated against the following diseases:

Regular boosters must be given for these vaccinations so that you are fully protected and can stay healthy.

Think about travel vaccinations early!

In addition to the standard vaccinations in Austria, you should always think about travel vaccinations before any trips. The risk of contracting diseases when travelling is dependent on the destination, period and type of travel. Among the diseases which can be contracted when travelling are, for example, meningococcal diseases, yellow fever, diphtheria, malaria, typhus, cholera, dengue, Japanese B encephalitis or even rabies.

Travel vaccinations should always be administered in addition to the standard vaccinations in Austria. Things to consider: The best time for travel vaccination is 4 to 6 weeks before travelling. Only then can the vaccine be fully effective and provide you with the best protection. But what about last minute trips? It’s still possible to take precautionary measures for these shorter trips just a few days before travelling.

  • The most widely recognised travel vaccination is the vaccination against hepatitis A. It’s classed as a classic among the vaccinations. Hepatitis A certainly doesn’t lead to chronic inflammation of the liver, but the disease can require lengthy clinical treatment. It can also be fatal for the elderly.
  • The symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to that of hepatitis A, however hepatitis B can lead to a dangerous and chronic infection. Liver cirrhosis or cancer of the liver can occur as a result. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids.
  • Typhus is a severe general infection with a high fever of around 40°C. This illness can last for up to three weeks. Further symptoms are diarrhoea, light-headedness but also damage to the spleen and liver.
  • Meningococcal diseases involves bacteria, which are passed on through droplet transmission. This leads to an inflammation of the cerebral membrane. In some areas of the world, such as along the meningitis belt in Africa, these bacteria are increasing. It’s therefore vital that you consider the risk of infection and the importance of this vaccination.
  • The vaccination against yellow fever and malaria are also worth noting.

The travel first-aid kit

A travel first-aid kit is recommended for any type of travel. However, its content depends on your destination and the period of travel. We’ve gathered the best tips for your travel first-aid kit and its contents here: Tips for your travel first-aid kit

Fever: an alarm signal for tropical diseases

Are you or have you been in a tropical country? Get tested for malaria and dengue fever immediately if you

  • are having health problems
  • catch a fever
  • have symptoms similar to those associated with a fever

Contact an infection department as soon as you can which specialises in tropical medicine!

Malaria tropica can become life-threatening within 48 hours! It’s generally unproblematic if you recognise the illness in time and treat it accordingly. It is also possible to carry out a precautionary check for diseases upon your return.

Country-specific information

Should you need information on specific countries, you can refer to the information on the website of the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (“foreign ministry”). Here you’ll find information on various health topics, such as epidemics, warnings for increased threats to security or travel warnings. From A such as Afghanistan or Africa to J such as Japan and through to Z such as Zimbabwe, here you’ll find all the important information you need to be and remain healthy before, during and after your vacation.

Select your destination in the menu option “Travel and stay” under “Travel information”: Here you’ll find extensive information on recommended vaccinations and precautionary measures for your travel region. In addition, there is also advice on how you can avoid contracting various diseases. Educate yourself fully on your desired region and the vaccinations required there. Seek advice in time and get vaccinated!

Diseases

You will find information on the following diseases:

Advice for travellers

Preventing complications: