The Federal Republic of Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, next to Germany and Switzerland. With its dramatic Alpine landscapes, numerous lakes, picturesque mountain villages and cows peacefully grazing on lush green pastures, Austria’s scenery is simply captivating. The historic cities of Vienna and Salzburg have plenty of magnificent ancient castles, palaces and other architectural treasures, as well as an exceptional classical music culture. But a trip to Austria wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its delicious cuisine and exquisite wines. Having a sweet “apfelstrudel” with a creamy coffee in a typical Austrian “Kaffeehaus” is simply to die for…
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.
AUSTRIA – 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). |
| 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
Austria offers health care of very good quality. Medical professionals in the country are often trained abroad. Austria has a very important and adequate medical infrastructure. Public hospitals and private clinics can be found everywhere across Austria, even in the most remote regions, though they can be more expensive there than in major cities. It is good to know that basic health care is provided for free in public health centers, to Austrian residents as well as to foreign tourists.
Emergency services in Austria can be contacted at 141. They usually react very quickly and ambulances have a well trained crew.
Quality medicines are easily found in Austria. But it is always safer to bring your own medical supplies, especially if you need specific treatments.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for general emergency assistance, or:
- 144 for ambulance
- 133 for police
- 122 for firefighters
