Traveling to WESTERN EUROPE?
Preventable disease “highlights”:
For the most part, the vaccine-preventable diseases present in Western Europe are similar to those present in the United States. Tickborne Encephalitis, a potentially deadly viral infection carried by ticks, is one exception (see below). As in the United States, outbreaks of Measles, Mumps, and other diseases can occur, particularly if the population of a region of a country is not adequately vaccinated during childhood.
Always make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations (Adult Routine Vaccinations) when traveling to Western Europe. Your vaccination history should be reviewed and updated by anyone you see for travel shots.
Specific Vaccinations available in the US for trips to Western Europe:
(from contaminated food or water) The vaccine can be considered for all travelers to Western Europe. As in the US, there are intermittent outbreaks.
(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.
(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.
(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. The vaccine is NOT available in the US but can be located in Europe upon arrival from the US.
Traveler’s diarrhea treatment, altitude medication, and other prescriptions may also be indicated, depending upon your itinerary.