Travel Vaccinations for Poland

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present throughout Poland, with higher incidence in specific regions.

Higher-risk areas include:

• Podlaskie (north east)
• Warmian-Masurian (Mazury lake district)
• Parts of Lubelskie

Risk is highest between:

• Early spring
• Late autumn

Higher-risk activities include:

• Hiking and trekking
• Camping and kayaking
• Forestry and agricultural work
• Foraging
• Time spent in woodland, lakeside or rural environments

City travel in Warsaw, Kraków and other urban centres carries minimal risk.

TBE vaccination is available at our pharmacist-led travel clinic following an individual travel risk assessment.

Accelerated dosing schedules may be suitable for some last-minute travellers depending on departure timing.

Polio Booster Check

Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has been detected in environmental surveillance samples in Poland.

A polio booster is recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago.

Rabies

Rabies is present in Polish wildlife, particularly foxes, although an oral vaccination programme is in place.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination may be considered for:

• Long stays
• Rural travel
• Outdoor cycling or running trips
• 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.

Other Health Risks

Lyme disease is also present in the same forested regions, particularly in the north east.

To reduce risk:

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin
• Wear long trousers in grassy or wooded areas
• Check skin daily after outdoor activity
• Remove ticks promptly

Avoid unpasteurised dairy products in rural areas due to rare food-borne infections.

Standard road safety precautions should be observed due to higher-than-UK traffic injury risk.

When to Book

We recommend booking your Poland travel health consultation four to six weeks before departure.

If TBE vaccination is required, early booking is advised. Accelerated schedules may still be possible depending on timing.

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 vaccination advice
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
• Support insect bite prevention planning
• Refer to Independent Prescribers where required

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Poland 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.