What vaccines do I need for Russia?

CDC recommends hepatitis A for most travellers. Some travellers should also consider hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies or tick-borne encephalitis depending on their plans.

Is yellow fever required for Russia?

No. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Russia.

How long before travel to Russia should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Russia — Required & Recommended

When are you departing?

For most travellers to Russia, CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccination and keeping routine vaccines up to date. Depending on your itinerary and activities, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies or tick-borne encephalitis vaccination may also be worth considering. Yellow fever vaccination is not required. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure, especially if you plan extensive time outdoors.

Tick-borne encephalitis risk is highest during the warmer months when ticks are active, so vaccination is worth considering for extensive outdoor exposure.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Russia from most countries.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Russia.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Mosquito

Japanese Encephalitis

A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Animal Contact

Tick-borne Encephalitis

A viral brain infection spread by tick bites in parts of Europe and northern Asia. Worth considering for outdoor travellers planning hiking, camping, or forest activities in affected regions.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Leptospirosis can be acquired through contaminated water, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever through tick bites, and hantavirus through rodent contact, while tuberculosis is present. Prevent insect and tick bites, avoid contaminated water, and follow safe food and water practices.

Also in Eastern Europe

Belarus Bulgaria Czechia Hungary

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Russia.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.