Vaccinations in Austria

It is advisable for all expats to make sure they get the right vaccines to protect themselves from health risks, even if they plan to move even in a country like Austria where there are no serious health risks nor required vaccines.

Preparation is always the key when it comes to vaccinations, especially when the whole family is travelling. For infants and children, it is important that everyone is given routine shots for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and DPT (diphtheria, polio, tetanus) while adults should get the necessary boosters. Aside from these, adults should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, especially those who will be staying in rural areas where unsanitary food handling may be a problem, and Hepatitis B for those whose jobs require exposure to possibly contaminated body fluid samples and even those who may have an active sex life.

It is good to get the shots at least four to six weeks before travel to allow the vaccine to take effect by the time a person arrives in Austria. A travel doctor can also give instructions on other precautions that may be taken to boost one's resistance against these health risks. No matter how small or minor, nothing is too safe and taking a step ahead of everything is always the best thing to do.