Immunization Requirements For Italian Travel

Italy does not require any specific vaccinations for visitors to enter the country. However, it is important to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Italy, as recommended by the CDC and other official health organisations. These include vaccines for diseases such as influenza, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), among others. Additionally, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations based on your travel plans and activities in Italy, such as hiking or consuming street food.

Hepatitis A

Most adults infected with Hepatitis A experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-coloured bowel movements). In rare cases, Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and even death, particularly in people over 50 years old and those with other liver diseases.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for international travellers and can prevent the disease. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with a higher risk of infection or who are more likely to come into contact with the virus. The vaccine is given to children in two doses, the first between 12 and 23 months of age, and the second at least six months later. Older children, adolescents, and adults who have not been previously vaccinated should also get the vaccine, especially if they are at a higher risk of infection or of becoming very sick with Hepatitis A.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective, and side effects are usually mild. They may include soreness or redness at the injection site, fever, headache, tiredness, or loss of appetite. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may occur.

When travelling to Italy, it is recommended that you consider getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, especially if you plan on engaging in higher-risk activities such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where you might get infected through food or water, or if you plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis B

In Italy, a program of vaccination against hepatitis B began in 1983, initially targeting the immunisation of high-risk individuals. In 1991, vaccination became mandatory for all newborns and adolescents, and since then, over 10 million children have been vaccinated with an outstanding safety and efficacy record. The coverage rate is approximately 94%, with lower acceptance rates in the Southern regions compared to the North.

The incidence of acute hepatitis B has declined significantly due to the vaccination program. According to the National Surveillance System (SEIEVA), the incidence per 100,000 inhabitants decreased from 5.4 in 1990 to 2 in 2000. This reduction was even more pronounced among 15-24-year-olds, where the incidence rate per 100,000 decreased from 17.3 to 2 during the same period.

To further enhance the efficacy of the vaccination campaign, catch-up immunisation of unvaccinated adolescents and efforts to improve the vaccination coverage rate in high-risk groups are necessary. Additionally, routine administration of booster doses is not typically required to sustain immunity in immunocompetent individuals.

When travelling to Italy, it is recommended to consult with healthcare providers to determine the necessary vaccinations and ensure proper immunisation.

Tick-borne Encephalitis

TBE is transmitted by the Ixodes ricinus tick species, which is common in forested and alpine areas. The risk of infection is highest in rural and forested areas, particularly at higher altitudes. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and berry picking can increase the risk of exposure to ticks.

To protect yourself from TBE, it is important to take precautions against tick bites. This includes wearing appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, when in areas with a known risk of tick bites. Using insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET can also help deter ticks. Additionally, it is important to check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors and to remove any ticks promptly and properly.

For individuals at high risk of exposure to ticks, the TBE vaccine is recommended. This includes people who will be engaging in extensive outdoor activities in areas where ticks are prevalent. The vaccine is typically recommended for those travelling to endemic areas, especially if they plan to spend time in forested or alpine regions. However, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the vaccine is necessary for your specific travel plans and activities.

Rabies

Italy is generally considered a country with a low risk of rabies. Cases of rabies in dogs, for instance, are not commonly found in Italy. However, rabies is still present in the country, and travellers are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential exposure.

The CDC recommends considering a rabies vaccine for travellers to Italy who meet certain criteria. This includes individuals who will be in the country for an extended period and those who may come into contact with animals during their stay. The rabies vaccine is an effective tool for preventing rabies infection and can provide peace of mind for travellers concerned about potential exposure.

In addition to the vaccine, there are several other measures that travellers can take to reduce their risk of rabies exposure in Italy. These include:

• Avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, including dogs and cats.
• Not touching or feeding unfamiliar animals.
• Keeping distance from bats, monkeys, and other mammals.
• Supervising pets closely and preventing them from interacting with local animals.
• Seeking immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by any animal.

It is also important to be aware of the specific requirements for importing pets into Italy. If you are travelling with a pet, ensure that you comply with the vaccination requirements, including a valid rabies vaccine, and obtain the necessary veterinary certificates and travel documents.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant during your travels in Italy, you can significantly reduce your risk of rabies exposure and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Routine vaccinations

The CDC recommends that travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations before every trip. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which vaccinations are necessary for your specific situation.

In addition to routine vaccinations, there are other recommended or required immunizations for Italy, including Hepatitis A, Rabies, Influenza, COVID-19, and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Frequently asked questions