Risk / Health Info for Reunion

What vaccinations should I get for Reunion?

If you are travelling to Reunion, vaccines are recommended to protect you against two GI illnesses: typhoid and hepatitis A. Both these and other infections that cause travellers’ diarrhoea can be picked up from contaminated food and water. You can improve your chances of avoiding GI illnesses by practising good hand hygiene and by taking care over what you eat and drink. The old rule of peel it, cook it or forget it applies here.

Some groups of travellers may wish to consider a hepatitis B vaccine. Those at most risk include children, who can become infected by the virus through cuts and grazes. Another group at risk from hep B is frequent and long-stay travellers. Those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids should get a hepatitis B immunization. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. There is a combined vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Your travel health advisor can help you work out whether this is right for you.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Reunion, but you may need a certificate of vaccination when you arrive at Reunion, depending on where you have been previously. Discuss your travel plans with your practitioner at Global Travel Clinics to help you decide whether a yellow fever vaccination is what you need.

If you are taking a long trip or a frequent traveller, ask your travel health advisor whether you need a tetanus booster.

Can I get healthcare when I go to Reunion?

Your EHIC card will be valid on Reunion because it is an overseas department of France, but this will not cover medical evacuation so travel health insurance is still necessary. The medical facilities on Reunion are of a good standard and there is an emergency service.

The emergency number in Reunion is 112.

Protect your health in Reunion

Cases of Chikungunya virus, which is contracted from mosquito bites, have occurred on Reunion. Avoid bites by wearing clothing with good limb coverage and by using mosquito repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. If you get a feverish illness during your time in Reunion or shortly after your return get prompt medical advice. Learn more about Chikungunya virus at NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel website.