Vaccines (Vaccinations) for Those Studying or Traveling in "Central Asia and Western Asia"
Target Regions
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, etc.
In Central Asia and Western Asia, the basic vaccines are recommended.
Because there are areas where infrastructure is not sufficient, it is important to receive vaccination against hepatitis A.
If you take part in the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, proof of meningococcal vaccine (ACWY) vaccination must be submitted. Be sure to get vaccinated in advance.
Cases of polio are also seen in Afghanistan. Checking your vaccination history beforehand will give you peace of mind.
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Recommended Vaccines
| Vaccine | Level of recommendation | Vaccines available | Number of doses | Price (all tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measles | ◎ | MMR (Priorix or MMRⅡ) | 1 to 2 doses | 10,000 yen |
| rubella | ||||
| tetanus※1 | ◎ | tetanus toxoid | 1 or 3 doses★ | 4,000 yen |
| hepatitis A※2 | ◎ | Aimmugen | 3 doses | 16,500 yen |
| Havisure | 2 doses | 13,000 yen | ||
| hepatitis B※2 | 〇 recommended for long-term stays | Bimmugen | 3 doses | 7,000 yen |
| rabies | 〇 recommended if you will be in contact with animals | ChiroRab | 3 doses | 13,000 yen |
| typhoid | 〇 | Typbar TCV | 1 dose | 10,000 yen |
| polio | 〇 recommended for areas where cases occur, such as Afghanistan | Imovax Polio | 1 or 3 doses★ | 9,000 yen |
| influenza | 〇 recommended during the epidemic season | influenza HA vaccine | 1 dose as a rule | 4,000 yen |
| meningococcal ACWY | △ mandatory if traveling to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Mecca | Nimenrix | 1 dose | 17,000 yen |
★ 1 dose if the primary series was completed in childhood
※1 We also carry Tdap (tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria) at 9,000 yen (tax included) and DPT-IPV (tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria and polio) at 12,000 yen (tax included).
※2 We also carry a hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine (Twinrix) at 13,000 yen (tax included).
Diseases to watch out for at your destination are explained in detail on the page below.
Precautions During Your Stay
Risks Associated with Religious Events and Gatherings
In Western Asia, religious events and large gatherings can raise the risk of infectious diseases.
Be sure to check your vaccination status for the basic vaccines such as measles and rubella.
If you take part in the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia (Hajj or Umrah), proof of meningococcal vaccine (ACWY) vaccination is mandatory. Be sure to get vaccinated before you travel.
Preventing Infections from Food and Drink
In some parts of Central Asia, infrastructure may not be sufficient.
Care is needed regarding infections transmitted through food and drink.
Avoid untreated water, ice, raw vegetables and cut fruit, and peel fruit yourself before eating it.
Hepatitis A and typhoid, which are transmitted via food and water, can be prevented with vaccination beforehand.
Preparing for Altitude Sickness
At high altitudes and in mountainous areas of 2,400 meters or more, there is a risk of altitude sickness.
Pace yourself so that you gradually acclimatize to the altitude, and be sure to stay well hydrated.
Protecting Against Heatstroke
In both Western Asia and Central Asia, there are areas that become extremely hot in summer.
To protect against heatstroke, make use of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and drink fluids frequently.
Risk of Contact with Wild Animals, Including Rabies
Avoiding contact with wild animals is also important.
There is a risk of rabies transmitted by dogs, bats and other animals, so take care not to approach animals and consider receiving the rabies vaccine if necessary.
Checking Your Polio Vaccination History
Cases of polio are seen in Afghanistan.
In addition, among people born between Showa 50 and Showa 52, the proportion who have immunity to polio is known to be lower than in other age groups.
If you were born in those years, be sure to check your vaccination history.
Appointments
Vaccination is available without an appointment.
Because we give priority to those with appointments, please book below if your schedule is already set.
– Maternal and Child Health Handbook (a copy or a photo is also acceptable)
– Documents (if you would like a medical certificate or vaccination certificate issued in a specified format, please bring the documents)
For vaccines and vaccinations for other regions, please see this page.
＜Dr. Satoshi Kutsuna＞
Specialist in infectious disease internal medicine, PhD in medicine.
For about 10 years he was engaged in travel medicine and imported infectious disease care at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), home to Japan's largest travel clinic, and he continues to be involved in activities including clinical practice and research today.
His other areas of specialty are emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and COVID infection, and he works to raise awareness of infectious diseases through a variety of outlets including the media and the internet.
He also sees patients at our clinic as a part-time physician and supervises our Travel Medicine.
