Risk / Health Info for Turkey

What vaccinations should I get for Turkey?

Global Travel Clinics can help you work out what immunisations you need to go to Turkey. Recommended shots for Turkey include vaccines against two GI infections, typhoid and hepatitis. A combined hepatitis A and typhoid shot is available.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine when going to Turkey. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If you are travelling to Turkey for a medical or dental procedure, let your travel health advisor know.

Rabies occurs in Turkey. It is contracted through an animal bite or even from a lick to broken skin. If you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals – particularly bats and dogs – consider getting the rabies shot. There are some activities that will elevate your risk of being bitten by an animal. These include caving, running and cycling. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. If you are bitten by an animal in Turkey wash the wound site well and seek urgent medical advice, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies.

What medical facilities are there in Turkey?

 Ensure you have travel health insurance and access to funds in case you need healthcare in Turkey. Public healthcare in Turkey has improved enormously in recent years. Private hospitals are relatively inexpensive in Turkey and offer a good standard of care.

The emergency number in Turkey is 112.

Altitude in Turkey

Parts of Turkey are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in Turkey

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Turkey at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Turkey

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Turkey.

polio in Turkey