Though it is hard to consider a walled enclave within a city as a country, the Vatican, totally surrounded by Rome, is effectively an independent state, the smallest in the world. Head of the Catholic Church and ruled by the Pope, the Vatican has its own post service, newspaper, radio station and colorful Pontifical Swiss Guard. But despite its tiny size, the Vatican is filled with more history and masterpieces than any other city on the planet. The state is home to inestimable cultural and historical sites, such as St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, featuring the world famous Michelangelo frescoes.
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.
HOLY SEE (VATICAN CITY STATE) – 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
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
There is no hospital in Vatican City. The nearest medical facilities are the Gemelli Polyclinic and the Umberto Polyclinic, in Rome. These establishments are modern, well equipped and provide excellent medical care following international standards.
In case of emergency in Vatican City, call 118. Ambulance services are fast and efficient.
Quality medicines are easily accessible in the Vatican Pharmacy located in the Piazza del Belvedere. It is the only pharmaceutical establishment in the city-state. It is well stocked, but be aware that some drugs contrary to Catholic social teaching, such as contraceptives, cannot be found here. Note that the pharmacy is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
SECURITY ABROAD
