Which Vaccinations Do You Need When Travelling To Turkey?

Whilst there are no strict travel vaccination requirements when travelling to Turkey, most holidaymakers are strongly recommended to get immunised for Hepatitis A and Tetanus on top of the regular inoculations covered by the national immunisation programme.

Due to its location as the gateway between Europe and Asia, Turkey has always been both an attractive and enigmatic holiday destination, but this also means that it is important to get the right protection before you travel there to make the most of your holiday.

This includes visiting a pharmacy that specialises in travel health and getting the right vaccinations for your itinerary. But what exactly should you be protected against when travelling to Turkey?

Here is a guide to the most commonly recommended vaccinations and others that might be required for certain types of trips.

What Vaccines Should You Get When Travelling To Turkey?

There are no vaccine certificates that you require as a condition of entry, but there are some vaccines that the majority of people travelling to Turkey should get at least four weeks before they start their journey.

As well as this, they should ensure they are up to date on their standard immunisation schedule so they are protected from many common infections.

However, there are currently two additional travel vaccines that most travellers should also get before travelling.

Tetanus

A bacterial infection found in soil, manure and most commonly spread through punctures or scratches, tetanus is a potentially life-threatening disease most commonly characterised by lockjaw, seizures, breathing troubles and painful muscle spasms.

Most people are suitably covered by their standard immunisations, but you may need a tetanus booster if you intend to travel in a less inhabited area away from a well-stocked medical facility.

Hepatitis A

A liver infection typically spread through faecal matter and unclean water, hepatitis A is not covered by the routine immunisation programme (unlike hepatitis B), which means that it is strongly recommended that you get vaccinated.

As well as this, be careful when eating and drinking in Turkey. Avoid uncooked salads and shellfish, drink bottled water and wash your hands thoroughly before eating food and after using the toilet.

Do You Need Any Other Vaccinations When Travelling To Turkey?

As well as the above, there are four other vaccines that are recommended because the prevalence of some diseases is higher in Turkey than they are in other countries.

If you are planning on backpacking, living in rural areas away from medical facilities or staying with family, the following vaccines may be recommended to you.

Hepatitis B

A similar liver infection to hepatitis A, hepatitis B is more common in Turkey than in the UK, and so long-stay travellers, people travelling who may require medical procedures whilst abroad, as well as people exposed to blood or bodily fluids should get vaccinated.

Measles

Similarly, measles is endemic in Turkey at higher rates than in the UK, so you should ensure that you are up to date on your measles, mumps and rubella vaccination to be fully protected.

Rabies

Both rabies and the rabies-like virus found in bats have been reported in Turkish domestic animals. Make sure to be vaccinated before your journey and avoid contact with all animals. 

Even being licked could put you at risk of rabies, a disease that is fatal once symptoms develop.

Typhoid

Transmitted through contaminated water and food, typhoid fever is a potential risk for travellers who are visiting areas where food hygiene is not high or those visiting friends and family.