Travel vaccination - Our guide to vaccinations

Travel medical advice

Before starting a trip abroad, a personal medical consultation with a specialized doctor or travel medicine specialist is recommended to find out which travel vaccinations you really need. This takes into account the destination, time and type of trip, as well as any existing illnesses and the current vaccination status according to the vaccination certificate. This usually includes the standard vaccinations you have already received (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, etc.) as well as further information on upcoming boosters. Always carry your vaccination certificate with you when you travel - as proof and also for emergencies.

How long before travelling to get vaccinated?

Since the immune system needs some time for the vaccination protection to fully develop, it is advisable to schedule the consultation four to six weeks before travel. Consultation and vaccination is also recommended for trips planned at short notice.

• Yellow fever: for travel to Africa, Asia, South and Central America, widespread
   
• Hepatitis A, B and C: hepatitis A for all non-European travel, hepatitis B for travel to risk areas and for long-term travel, combination vaccine available, vaccination against hepatitis C not possible
   
• Polio: for travel to South America, Africa and Southeast Asia
   
• Diphtheria: occurs in many countries worldwide, therefore still strongly recommended
   
• Meningococcal meningitis: when travelling to Africa, Saudi Arabia (obligatory for pilgrimages)
   
• Meningoencephalitis (FSME): for long-term travel to Southeast Asia
   
• Typhoid fever: for long-term stays in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America
   
• Rabies: during travel to risk areas in Asia, Africa and South America, rural regions
   
• Cholera: during long-term stays in Africa, South America, India

The costs for a travel vaccination sometimes vary considerably, as there can be different vaccines for the same vaccination. Vaccine costs start at around 30 euros for a rabies vaccination, yellow fever from around 60 euros and up to 80 euros for hepatitis A and B. A meningococcal vaccination costs about 100 euros.

In addition, for all vaccinations there are further costs for the administration of the vaccines by a doctor or health authority. For yellow fever vaccinations you must visit a special yellow fever vaccination centre, such as a health office, tropical institute or experienced tropical doctor. The vaccination is then entered in the yellow vaccination certificate, signed by a doctor and officially certified.