3 Vaccinations That You Should Consider Getting Before Traveling To Russia
Global travel should always be done responsibly. You can do your part by ensuring that you are healthy whenever you travel and by taking all necessary steps to safeguard the local people in the destinations that you visit.
Never has this been more important than right now as the world deals with the current coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, there have already been a number of Covid-19 vaccines developed, approved, and rolled out in several countries. While getting the vaccine may be voluntary, airlines may require international travelers to provide proof they have been vaccinated in order to fly and countries may require foreign visitors produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country.
There are of course already several other vaccinations that both the WHO and CDC recommend you get when traveling to various countries such as Russia. You may have been aware that Russia has stringent rules concerning immigration, but you may not know their rules and regulations concerning vaccination requirements. Here are some vaccinations you may want to think about getting before traveling to Russia.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease that can affect both your kidneys and liver. You may get jaundice or fever from this disease and it can end up causing death when left untreated.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is one of the few vaccines that Russian authorities recommend that you get, but this rule mostly applies to those that are traveling directly from or have recently traveled from areas where Yellow Fever infections are prevalent such as South America and Central Africa.
If you intend to travel directly from the U.S., such a vaccine may not be necessary. However, if you intend to transit through countries where the disease is present, it would be wise for you to get this vaccine.
According to WHO, yellow fever certifications now have lifetime validity. You no longer need to show proof that you have received a booster shot to be allowed entry into any country. The original certification for this disease will be enough proof that you have been vaccinated.
Make sure to consider this vaccination if you intend to travel to Russia via cruise ship that may be visiting tropical regions with yellow fever along its route, such as a round-the-world cruise.
Vaccination Against Childhood Diseases such as Polio, Pertussis, Diphtheria, and Tetanus
Polio is a viral disease that can cause disability or death. It tends to attack the brain or spinal cord, but it can also attack your respiratory system. The infectious disease is spread through the mouth by way of consuming traces of fecal matter which may be present in food or water.
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes muscle spasms and can sometimes prove fatal. Those who do survive can often take months to recover. This disease tends to occur when toxins enter the human body through a cut or puncture in the skin.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is usually characterized by a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The infection is generally spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing and the respiratory droplets that are released.
Pertussis is better known as whooping cough. Its symptoms include flu, fever, and coughing fits. In children, it may cause problems with breathing. This disease is bacterial in nature and infectious.
Thankfully, there are childhood vaccinations for the above diseases, but CDC recommends that you get booster vaccinations for them because you may get infections while traveling. Rather than disrupt your stay while enjoying your Russian holiday, it’s better to get the boosters you need and be done with it.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
You should also consider vaccinations against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that tends to affect the liver. It is passed via contaminated food and water. While death from this disease is rare, you may suffer a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, and stomach pain.
Hepatitis B is another infectious disease that affects the liver. It can be spread via unprotected sex, blood, open wounds, and contaminated needles. But unlike Hepatitis A which responds well to treatment, Hepatitis B can become chronic and cause you a lifetime of medical issues.
The CDC recommends that travelers to Russia get vaccinations for both types of Hepatitis. Hepatitis A vaccinations should be given to anyone over the age of one. Hepatitis B vaccinations can be given to everyone. Even if you have already received these vaccinations, you may need boosters before traveling depending on when your last vaccination was.
In addition to getting the required and recommended vaccinations for your next trip to Russia, remember to also apply for your visa early. Start by getting a Russian invitation letter to ensure your visa is approved in time. You can head to https://visaexpress.com/russian-invitation-letter/ for detailed information and help with your visa.
Every destination has its entry requirements and having the mandatory vaccinations is often just one of the requirements that is imposed on travelers. We recommend you always research the latest entry requirements and restrictions for any foreign destination you plan to visit whether it’s getting the right visa for the duration and activities you are planning or what items are allowed to be brought into the country you are visiting.
