Estonia
Though Estonia shares similar geographical and historical features with the neighboring Latvia and Lithuania, it has a fundamentally different culture and is thus a unique country. This Baltic nation, which was linked to Russia for three centuries, is now an independent and developed European country, with a high-income economy. Estonia has a rich history. Back in the Middle Ages, the country was a thriving trading nation thanks to the strategical location of its ports, which still exist today, Tallinn, the incredibly charming capital city, being one of them. Estonia’s green countryside covered with large patches of enchanting forests gives the country a genuine fairy-tale atmosphere.
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.
ESTONIA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| 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 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
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In Estonia, family physicians are at the heart of the health care system. Patients have to see first their regular general practitioner, who will refer them to an adequate specialist only if required. The level of medical care in the country is not as good as in more developed nations, but the Estonian health care infrastructure has seen great improvements these past years. The North-Estonian Regional Hospital, located in Tallinn, offers good medical care. The Medicover Swedish-Estonian Medical Center is another good medical address for travelers in the capital city. If you need an ambulance in Estonia, call 112 or (372) 697-1500. You can purchase reliable medicines in all the Estonian pharmacies, as the origin of the pharmaceutical products sold in the country is well regulated. But it is always better to bring your own first aid kit.SECURITY ABROAD
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur, particularly in Tallinn Old Town and during the summer tourist season. Thieves often work in small groups. They target tourists in airports, train stations and other public areas.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
