I might be going to Turkey pretty soon, I plan on visiting Istanbul only, but might check out other parts. I plan on my trip being 2-3 weeks. I bought Rick's latest Istanbul book and it says that no shots are needed to travel in Turkey. I also have his Europe Through the Back Door 2015 book, there it says that for countries such as Turkey, to ask a doctor if shots might be needed. Did that change?
I checked out the CDC's website, and they recommend the Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. I called to get prices for shots and they're kind of high. So I'm wondering if it's really that necessary.
Thanks
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
It's been a few years but I had no shots before going to Turkey. We stayed in the Western part - Istanbul and Izmir - so I'm not sure if you need any for the Eastern part of the country.
Posted by
Seattle, Wa, USA
449 posts
I was in Turkey in September, 2014. No shots for me, but I did buy medical evacuation insurance, you know, just in case.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I'm sure most of us visit western Turkey the same as western Europe, without any special shots. The CDC points out that Hep A outbreaks can occur in the US, as well.
Posted by
Land of La
9218 posts
Whatever you do don't go to Disneyland in CA. Measles outbreak. Sorry, a sad joke but I was there at the beginning of December and now it's big news about the measles outbreak. I'm part of the generation that every vaccine available so I'm not worried. I also traveled to Istanbul on a RS 7 day tour. No shots.
Posted by
Land of La
9218 posts
Whatever you do don't go to Disneyland in CA. Measles outbreak. Sorry, a sad joke but I was there at the beginning of December and now it's big news about the measles outbreak. I'm part of the generation that every vaccine available so I'm not worried. I also traveled to Istanbul on a RS 7 day tour. No shots. Great country. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by
Iowa
68 posts
Typhoid and Hepatitis A are both transmitted fecal to oral and associated with unclean water. I think that your risk of geting them in western Turkey is as likely in the US. If you have ever traveled to Mexico Hep A is a big problem and is therefore brought over to our borders. Probably it's going to be the next thing the news spazzes about. For whatever reason they recomend you don't drink the water there as Turkish people don't drink the water and bottled water is plentiful. If you were headed to the Syrian border you might want them, probably that's not the best place to visit at the moment. Otherwise wash your hands before you eat (something you should do always) and don't drink from strange water sources.