Immunization Requirements For Ireland Travel

While there are no required immunizations for travel to Ireland, the CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations, including hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). These vaccinations are advised for all eligible travelers to ensure their safety and protect against various diseases. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine individual needs and requirements.

While there are no required immunizations for Ireland, some are recommended

Vaccinations are not required for travel to Ireland. However, the CDC and WHO recommend that visitors ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). They also recommend the following vaccinations for Ireland: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).

Hepatitis A is recommended for most travellers, especially those who will be engaging in higher-risk activities such as visiting smaller towns, villages, or rural areas, where there is a higher risk of infection through food or water. It is also recommended for those who plan to eat street food. This vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old, and those 60 and older may get vaccinated before travelling.

Cases of measles are on the rise globally, and the CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine. Travellers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure or have not had measles in the past.

Rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of Ireland, but it is recommended that travellers consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether they should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before travel. This consideration includes whether travellers will be engaging in activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals and whether they might have difficulty accessing prompt post-exposure treatment.

Additionally, all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic for specific recommendations and to ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date before any trip.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, polio, rabies, and more

Vaccinations are not required for travel to Ireland. However, the CDC and WHO recommend that travellers be vaccinated against hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). These vaccinations are advised to ensure the safety of both individuals and the community.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is typically spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective, providing immunity against the virus, usually with two doses. It is recommended for unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old and may be given to those 60 and older.

Polio is a disease that has seen an increase in cases globally, and an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease spread by bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is crucial for prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.

Hepatitis B is spread through infected bodily fluids, and while safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defence.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections that can spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is essential for preventing these diseases and offers comprehensive protection.

In addition to these vaccinations, travellers to Ireland should also be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. It is also recommended to review the immunisation schedule for other routine vaccines before every trip, such as chickenpox (varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap), and MMR.

You should visit a travel health professional to get advice on vaccines and a risk assessment

Vaccines are not required for travel to Ireland. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling anywhere. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ireland: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

If you are unsure about which vaccinations you need, you should visit a travel health professional to get advice on vaccines and a risk assessment. This is especially important if you have a weakened immune system or a long-term condition that requires medication. They will be able to give you tailored advice based on your individual situation, such as how long you will stay and what you plan to do. Ideally, you should book your appointment 6 to 8 weeks before you travel so that any vaccines you need have time to become fully effective. However, if your trip is soon, it is still worth seeking advice as it is never too late.

In Scotland, you should contact your local NHS health board to make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you should contact your NHS GP. If you are in the US, you can book an appointment with a private travel clinic.

The travel health professional will take you through your travel health risk assessment and advise you on any vaccines or medications you may need. They will also be able to advise you on other aspects of travel health, such as preventing bug bites and food and water safety.

It is helpful to keep a record of any vaccines you have received in the past, including as a child. Bring your vaccination record with you to your appointment so that the health professional can determine if you need any boosters before travelling.

Vaccinations are not required for British citizens, but a passport may be useful to carry

Vaccinations are not required for British citizens travelling to Ireland. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling anywhere. The CDC and WHO recommend that travellers to Ireland be vaccinated against hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

In addition to staying up to date with routine vaccinations, it is also a good idea to carry a passport when travelling to Ireland, as proof of identity. Although British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality, and ferries and airlines may ask for ID.

It is also important to be aware of other health considerations when travelling to Ireland. For example, taking precautions to avoid insect bites and animal bites, and ensuring that you have travel insurance that covers healthcare abroad.

There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ireland

Vaccinations are not required for travel to Ireland. However, the CDC and WHO recommend that travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and some other vaccines are recommended for travel to Ireland. These include hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Since 6 March 2022, there have been no COVID-19 restrictions for travel to Ireland. However, travellers are advised to follow public health advice if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old travelling to Ireland get vaccinated before their trip. Unvaccinated travellers 60 years and older may also get vaccinated before travelling to Ireland.

It is recommended that travellers consult with a healthcare provider to determine which vaccinations they may need before their trip.

Frequently asked questions