Travel Health Advice: Turkey
With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Turkey is a destination that offers something for everyone—from bustling bazaars in Istanbul to ancient ruins along the Aegean coast.
Before you take off, a travel health check can help you enjoy your trip without any unwanted surprises. Here's what to know before heading to Turkey, from your team at Walker Street Doctors.
Recommended Vaccinations for Travel to Turkey
Vaccines help protect you from preventable illness—especially when travel plans change, or you venture beyond major cities.
Routine Vaccines
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT booster): Every 10 years.
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Polio: Especially important if you’ve never been vaccinated.
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Additional booster recommended for healthcare workers, aid workers, or those visiting refugee camps near the Syrian border.
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Influenza & Pneumococcal: Advised for travellers over 65 or with chronic health conditions.
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): A must-have, especially due to the measles outbreak in 2025.
Travelling with children? Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early MMR dose before travelling internationally. This is safe and strongly recommended.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
Recommended for all durations of stay:
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Hepatitis A: Spread through food and water. Common in many regions of Turkey.
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Hepatitis B: Important if:
- You’ll be travelling long-term
- You may need medical care
- You have sexual contact with locals
- You're working in healthcare or aid
Now recommended routinely for all infants and adolescents in Australia.
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Typhoid: Food and water-borne. Especially relevant for regional or adventurous travel.
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Rabies: Consider if you’ll be trekking, cycling, or working around animals—domestic or wild.
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Malaria: Low risk overall, but present in some southeastern provinces (rare for most tourists). Chloroquine-sensitive. We’ll assess your route and advise on medication if needed.
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Meningococcal vaccine: Required for those travelling to Mecca or Umrah via Turkey.
Current Health Alerts for Turkey
Measles Outbreak – Feb 2025
- Confirm you’ve had two doses of MMR.
- If unsure, a catch-up dose is safe and effective.
- Infants 6–11 months need an early dose before travel.
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
- Avoid all contact with poultry or wild birds.
- Do not visit poultry markets or farms.
- Only eat thoroughly cooked chicken and eggs.
Insect-Borne Diseases
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Dengue, leishmaniasis, filariasis, onchocerciasis, and even plague have been reported in parts of the region.
- While most travellers are at low risk, insect bite prevention remains essential.
Protect yourself by:
- Using insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Wearing long, light-coloured clothing
- Sleeping in mosquito-proof accommodation
After Travel: What to Watch For
If you develop a fever or flu-like illness during or within 12 months of your trip, especially if you visited southeastern Turkey or nearby regions:
- Seek medical care urgently
- Let your doctor know about your travel history, especially if malaria exposure was possible
Your Travel Appointment: What to Expect
At Walker Street Doctors, we offer:
- Travel vaccine consultations
- Risk assessments tailored to your itinerary
- Prescription antimalarials if needed
- Medical letters for travel insurance and border requirements
- Peace of mind for every kind of traveller
Book 2–4 weeks before departure for best protection.
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