Europe Vaccines & Health Tips from Singapore Doctors
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart in Europe with vaccine advice, travel safety tips, and health prep from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Europe
From strolling along the Seine in Paris to shopping in London, hiking in the Swiss Alps, or eating tapas in Madrid — Europe remains one of the top long-haul destinations for Singaporeans seeking history, culture, and adventure.
In 2023, over 240,000 Singaporeans visited Europe, with France, the UK, Italy, and Spain ranking among the most popular stops.
Best time to go: May–June (spring), September–October (autumn), December (festive season)
Popular cities: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, Zurich, Barcelona, Prague
Popular for: Cultural sightseeing, romantic getaways, art and history tours, food and wine trips, shopping, family holidays, honeymoons
With visa-free access to many European countries for short stays and excellent train connections, Europe is ideal for multi-city adventures.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Europe
Recommended Vaccines for Europe:
- Influenza Vaccine – Important during Europe’s flu season (October–March), especially for city-hopping and crowded attractions.
- Hepatitis A – For food safety, especially when trying street food or visiting less-developed rural areas.
- Pneumococcal - For travellers age 65 above and those with chronic conditions.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Europe.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Europe, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.Â
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- First-time long-haul travellers
- Students, exchange programme participants, and working travellers
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For desert climates and high-dust environments, we recommend:
- For European climates (cool to cold, depending on season), we recommend packing:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines (for pollen or food allergies)
- Cold/flu meds and lozenges (especially in autumn or winter)
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (e.g. loperamide, charcoal pills)
- Motion sickness pills (for long bus/train rides)
- Eye drops and moisturiser (dry air in planes/heated rooms)
- Plasters, antiseptic cream
- Thermals and layered clothing for cooler months
- Hand sanitiser and face masks for flights and transit areas
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Hydrate regularly – especially during walking tours or sightseeing
Stay warm in colder months – Dress in layers and protect extremities (gloves, scarf, beanie)
Eat where it’s busy – Choose well-frequented eateries to minimise food-related risks
Be cautious of tap water – Generally safe in Western Europe, but bottled water is recommended in rural or Eastern European regions
Practice basic hygiene – Especially in hostels, public transport, and tourist sites
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Monitor your health for 7–10 days after returning. Watch for:
- Flu symptoms (fever, sore throat, fatigue)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Skin rashes or insect bites
- Respiratory symptoms (especially after winter travel)
At Regis Medical, we offer post-travel screenings, rapid flu and COVID testing, and tailored recovery care for returning travellers.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines and boosters completed
✅ Travel medications packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card saved
✅ Nearest clinic/hospital at destination bookmarked
✅ Visa (Schengen/UK) and travel documents sorted
Planning a trip to Europe?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
