Located at the strategical crossroads of Central and Mediterranean Europe, Serbia was regularly invaded, often violently, and has seen its borders moving again and again through its history. This turbulent past results today in a mosaic of ethnic groups living together in Serbia, not always peacefully… But it has also blessed the country with countless treasures, from majestic castles perched high in the mountains to splendid palaces and sublime monasteries hidden in verdant valleys. Serbia is warm and welcoming, and is far from being a dull country, as evidenced by Belgrade’s nightlife, certainly among the craziest on the planet…
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.
SERBIA – 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
The health care system in Serbia remains limited. Doctors and specialists may be well trained, but the medical infrastructure and the equipment in the country are inadequate. Satisfying basic medical care can be accessed in the Bel Medic General Hospital located in Belgrade, the capital city. But specific treatments and serious health issues can not be taken in charge in Serbia and result in an air evacuation of the patient to another country. Note that in some rural areas, it is almost impossible to access adequate medical care.
In case of emergency in Serbia, call 94 or 011 94 if you use a mobile phone. But be aware that public ambulance services in the country are not of good quality. For satisfying emergency services, you can contact the Military Medical Academy at 266 2755.
Basic medicines and pharmaceutical products are available in Serbia. In Belgrade, pharmacies are usually opened 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. But it is always safer to bring your own medical supplies, especially if you require specific treatments which may be impossible to find in Serbia.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 192
- medical assistance: 194
- firefighters: 193
