Health Precautions for Vienna

No special health precautions are needed to travel to Vienna and compulsory vaccinations are not required. It’s wise though to make a list before leaving (to keep on your person) giving details of your blood type, allergies and any chronic conditions for which you are receiving treatment.

Residents of most European countries are entitled to received free emergency medical treatment from the Austrian Health Service (KK). Usually all that’s needed is a form to confirm that reciprocal arrangements exist in your country or, failing that, proof of nationality.

Travellers from non-EU countries should ensure they hold adequate medical coverage to cover the cost of subsequent medical care (and in some cases repatriation).

If you’re visiting rural and forested areas in Austria, then be aware that tick-borne encephalitis, a viral infection of the central nervous system, can pose serious dangers to anyone who is bitten. Immunizaton is available, although in practice most people apply insect repellents containing 25-35% DEET to clothing and exposed skin. For children, preparations with less than 10% DEET should be used (and applied sparingly). Conduct tick checks at the end of each day and, if found, promptly remove with tweezers (grasping the tick by the head). If in doubt, seek immediate medical advice.

Water quality in Vienna is generally excellent, while supplies marked ‘Kein Trinkwasser’ are not suitable for drinking.