Any Vaccination Needed to Travel to Spain?

07 Apr 2009 by Olga Brighton

Travelling to Spain

You need no vaccines for travel to Spain. Like everywhere else in the world, you are advised to get your anti-tetanus shots if you will be outdoors, or in rural areas.

If as an exceptional measure, International Sanitary Regulations demand any specific vaccination, you may need to go through a medical check up, or show a medical certificate.

Regardless of the fact that travelling to Spain does not require any vaccination, you should visit your doctor at least 4 weeks before you leave abroad and check whether you need any vaccines or medicines according to your health condition.

Besides, check your routine vaccines schedule before leaving to Spain.

The list of routine vaccines includes:

Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
Polio vaccine
Yearly flu vaccine

Note that vaccines cannot protect you from common diseases in Spain, so check the following tips on how to avoid getting ill in this particular country:

1. Eating and drinking

Spanish food and water standards are very similar to those in United Kingdom, so you there are no special recommendations for eating and drinking if you have no food allergies. In case you do, try to avoid exquisite traditional specialties if there are any unknown ingredients.

2. Bug bites

In the wake of Zika Virus worldwide alerts, use repellent while spending time outside, especially in the forest or near the water areas.

How to prevent bug bites?

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent whenever you go outside.

What to do if you got bitten?

Consult the doctor to exclude any dangerous infection.
Do not scratch bug bites!
To minimize the itching cover the bites with hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
After returning home, check your entire body for ticks. If there are any, follow this guide to remove them properly. http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

3. Staying safe outdoors

Check the weather conditions and cancel your outdoor activity if the conditions become unsafe.
Always wear the appropriate clothes and do not forget to pack bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Please note that heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can lead to death, so eat and drink regularly, do not wear too tight clothing, and control the level of your physical activity.
Try eating salty snacks and drink lots of water if you stay outdoors in the heat for more than two hours.
To protect your skin from radiation, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Whether you are only planning to visit Spain or already in the country, check Spain Travel Advice section of Foreign and Commonwealth Office to stay updated about any travel alerts.