Travel clinic Italy
Travel health and vaccine advice for Italy
Italy
 
Pizzas, pastas and gelati… Venice, Florence and Milan… Islands, mountains and snow… Michelangelo, Romeo and the Pope… Football, fashion and the Mafia… Italy is amazingly diverse in many ways. Extremely rich in its culture and history, the Boot Nation was at the heart of the powerful Roman Empire and is the birthplace of the Renaissance movement. The country gave birth to countless talented artists and has one of the most renowned gastronomy in the World. Whether you wish to enjoy sunny beach holidays, to immerse yourself in culture, to experience stunning outdoors or to arouse your taste buds, Italy’s Bella Vita is waiting for you.

HEALTH INFORMATION

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

ITALY – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Flu – Influenza Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis A Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating”
Hepatitis B Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Chikungunya Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Tick-borne Encephalitis Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Lyme disease Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Rabies For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

There are disparities between the different geographical areas regarding the medical infrastructure in Italy. In large cities, numerous modern and well equipped medical facilities are available. But in rural places, access to health care can be difficult. Some public hospitals in Italy face severe lacks of adequate medical equipment and qualified staff. If you require medical assistance in Italy, you are advised to go to private establishments. But be aware that medical fees and treatments can be very expensive there. Public medical costs are established on a flat rate basis by the Italian National Health Service (the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale).

In case of emergency in Italy, you can call an ambulance at 118. Or you can go directly to the emergency services of the nearest hospital.

Quality medicines can be found in Italy, especially in major cities. But it is always safer to bring your own first aid kit.

SECURITY ABROAD

Coronavirus disease

SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

×