Thinking of Travelling to the Stans? Here’s What You Need to Know About Staying Healthy
If you're planning an adventure through Central Asia—whether it's the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, or the deserts of Turkmenistan—don’t forget that good travel planning includes looking after your health.
At Walker Street Doctors, we love helping our patients get travel-ready. Here’s what you need to know before you head off to the “Stans”.
Core Travel Vaccinations
Whether you’re exploring for a week or staying a few months, several vaccines are strongly recommended for all travellers to Central Asia:
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Hepatitis A – Spread through food and water. This one is essential.
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Hepatitis B – Spread through blood and body fluids. Recommended for everyone, and particularly if:
- You’re travelling long-term (over 6 months)
- You may need medical care while overseas
- You’re working in healthcare
- You may have new sexual partners while travelling
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Typhoid – Also spread through contaminated food and water. Important in all regions.
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Rabies – If you’ll be trekking, cycling, or working around animals (including dogs, cats, or bats), a pre-travel rabies course is wise. Post-exposure treatment can be hard to access in remote parts of Central Asia.
Routine Immunisations Matter Too
Some of the most important travel protection comes from your routine vaccines:
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT) – Ensure your booster is up to date (usually every 10 years).
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Polio – Still relevant. Make sure you’ve completed the primary course and had any required boosters.
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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – This one’s vital. There’s currently a global measles outbreak, including in Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries.
All travellers should have had 2 doses of MMR at least 2 weeks before travel. If you’re unsure, we can check your records or offer a catch-up.
Special Note for Young Travellers
If you're travelling with a baby:
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Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early dose of MMR before travel. This does not replace the routine 12-month dose, but adds a layer of protection during international travel.
Measles Alert – February 2025
Many destinations, including Uzbekistan, are currently experiencing outbreaks of measles—a highly contagious viral illness. It spreads through coughs and sneezes and can cause serious complications.
Before you travel, double-check that you and your children are fully vaccinated against measles. If you become unwell with a rash, high fever, cough, or red eyes during or after your trip, seek medical care promptly.
We Can Help With:
- Travel vaccine planning
- Customised first aid kits
- Letters for insurance and medications
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Yellow fever certificates (for multi-country travel)
We recommend booking your travel appointment 2–4 weeks before you fly so there’s time to complete any vaccine courses and get you properly protected.
Ready to Pack More Than Just Your Bags?
Travel medicine isn’t just about jabs—it’s about peace of mind.
Book your pre-travel consultation today with our team of experienced GPs and nurses.
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