Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) risk in Croatia is mainly confined to inland and forested regions.
Higher-risk areas include:
- Bjelovar-Bilogora
- Koprivnica-Križevci
- Međimurje
- Osijek-Baranja
- Varaždin
- Gorski Kotar forest region
Coastal Dalmatia, Istria and most Croatian islands carry very low TBE risk.
Ticks are most active between:
Vaccination may be worth considering for:
- Hiking in Plitvice or Risnjak National Parks
- Camping inland
- Forestry or horse-related work
- Staying in rural accommodation
TBE vaccination is available at our pharmacist-led travel clinic following an individual travel risk assessment.
Accelerated vaccine schedules may also be suitable for some last-minute travellers depending on timing before departure.
Lyme Disease and Mosquito-Borne Illness
Lyme disease occurs in the same inland regions where ticks are present.
To reduce risk:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin
- Wear long trousers in grassy or wooded areas
- Perform tick checks daily after outdoor activity
- Remove ticks promptly using a tick removal tool
West Nile virus has occasionally been reported in eastern Croatia during summer months.
Sporadic locally acquired dengue cases have also been reported in recent years.
Travellers should:
- Use mosquito repellent
- Avoid mosquito bites at dawn and dusk
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible
Other Health Risks
Road traffic accidents can occur on coastal mountain roads and during busy summer periods.
Travellers should also consider:
- Sun exposure and dehydration risks
- Swimming and water safety precautions
- Heat-related illness during peak summer temperatures
Rabies
Rabies risk in Croatia is low but remains relevant for occupational or animal exposure.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination may be considered for:
- Long stays
- Animal handling
- Veterinary or wildlife work
- Rural occupational exposure
If exposed:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic if available
- Attend hospital or A&E immediately
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.
When to Book
We recommend booking your Croatia travel health consultation four to six weeks before departure.
If TBE vaccination is required through a specialist clinic, arranging referral early is advised, although accelerated schedules may still be possible for late bookings.
What We Can Supply
Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.
During your visit we can:
- Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
- Provide personalised travel vaccination advice
- Administer appropriate travel vaccines
- Support insect bite prevention planning
- Refer to specialist clinics or Independent Prescribers where required
Prescription-only medicines, altitude medication and TBE vaccination are not currently supplied on site.
Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Croatia travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.
Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.
