Vaccinations in France

Health security is not an option but a necessity for expats. Even in developed countries, there is a need to be a step ahead in disease prevention, even in France where few minor health risks exist.

There are no particular vaccinations needed to enter France, but routine vaccinations for polio, DPT (diphtheria, pertussins and tetanus), MPR (measles, mumps and rubella), and poliovirus are recommended and should be updated. Health care workers who could be dealing with contaminated blood samples are also advised to take shots for hepatitis B. 

During the warm season, tick-borne infections may be common in rural areas and vaccinations will be recommended for Lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis and ricketssial diseases - all within three months prior to travel to France. Other basic precautions expats can take include having using repellents and wearing thick clothes when visiting tropical regions of the country. There is no risk of malaria in France, hence, no preventive measures are needed. 

Recommendations for vaccinations in France change from time to time, but visiting a travel physician at least 4-6 weeks before departure must be done to know of current preventive measures to be taken. It is advisable to have an international health insurance in coming to France to ensure protection and coverage as there are certain government regulations to be observed before enjoying the national health system's benefits upon arrival.