Europe — minimal vaccine preparation for most Canadians
The honest answer for most Canadian Europe travellers: your routine Canadian vaccines (tetanus, MMR, varicella) plus Hepatitis A are virtually all you need for Western Europe. No malaria pills, no Typhoid, no Yellow Fever.
Vaccines for Western Europe
- Hepatitis A: Recommended as good practice — risk is much lower than developing regions but not zero, especially in Southern Europe
- Routine vaccines current? Tetanus booster (every 10 years), MMR, varicella — ensure these are current before any international travel
The exception: Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) in Central and Eastern Europe
If your European trip involves hiking, cycling, or camping in forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe, TBE becomes relevant:
- Austria: Highest TBE risk in Europe — vaccination recommended for rural/forest hiking
- Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia: High endemic risk
- Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg): Endemic zones in southern regions
- Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania: Baltic and Scandinavian TBE zones
TBE is NOT needed for city travel — Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Munich city tourists are at negligible risk. Risk is exclusively rural and forested.
The TBE vaccine (Encepur) — 3-dose primary series, accelerated schedule available. Cost: $240–$360 for the series.
Country-by-country summary
| Country | Hep A | Typhoid | Malaria | TBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Yes | No | No | No (NE hiking only) |
| Spain | Yes | No | No | No |
| Greece | Yes | No | No | No |
| Portugal | Yes | No | No | No |
| Turkey | Yes | Optional | No | No (NE border only) |
| Austria, Czech Rep., Slovakia | Yes | No | No | Yes (if hiking) |
| Germany (Bavaria) | Yes | No | No | Yes (rural south) |
Book your Europe pre-travel consultation at Virtual Travel Clinic.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | ECDC TBE Data
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