Vaccines for International Travelers

International travelers can get infected with diseases abroad. The risk of infection varies from one country to the next. In general, the risk level increases:  

• If there are low levels of sanitation.
• With harsh living conditions (backpacking trip).
• When traveling for extended lengths of time.

To reduce the risk of infection, international travelers should consult with the Ministry of Health travel clinic regarding the need for vaccinations and preventive treatment.

What you need

• Your vaccine administration record (recommended).
• A non-Israeli vaccine administration record if you have one (recommended).
• A filled in traveler's medical information questionnaire. You can also find the questionnaire at the clinic.

Service fee

• If you choose to receive the vaccine at the Ministry of health travel clinic, you will charged for a medical consultation, the vaccine administration record and the registration of your vaccines. This is in addition to the cost of the vaccines.
• You should check if your Kupat Holim (HMO) has a refund arrangement and the amount of the refund, before making an appointment.

When should you get the vaccines

You should get the vaccines at least 6 weeks before traveling, since some vaccines are given over an extended period of time.

Where can you get medical advice and vaccines

• At Ministry of Health travel clinics in health bureaus.
• In clinics not operated by the Ministry of Health (vaccination costs are the sole responsibility of the external clinics).
  Note: the decision to receive vaccines, additional booster shots, or preventive treatment is at the sole discretion of the person receiving the treatment.

What vaccinations are recommended according to your destination and trip

You can find out what vaccinations are recommended for your trip based on destination and the type of trip you are planning, on the Ministry of Health Department of Epidemiology vaccination guide (Heb)

Vaccinations recommendations are grouped according to the type of trip

Group 1: short trips to urban areas in high-star hotels. You can add vaccinations based on recommendations from group 2 if necessary.

Group 2: business trips to a recurring destination or organized trips for up to 4 weeks that include short, unplanned day trips. If the trip includes unplanned trips to areas where there is potential exposure to mosquito bites, infectious diseases due to poor sanitary conditions, or close contact with the local population, you can add vaccinations based on recommendations from group 3 if necessary.