Prague's Motol Hospital opens new travel vaccination center: What to know

Amid the increasing risks of travel-borne illnesses worldwide, Motol University Hospital in Prague has unveiled a new, special vaccination center. It now offers a full range of vaccinations, expert counseling, and healthcare services for travelers – both for those visiting Czechia and residents who plan to travel outside of it.

In addition to pre-departure consultations, the center provides vaccinations for all age groups, including at-risk patients, for whom public health insurance covers the cost. The center also assists travelers who return from tropical or high-risk areas with health issues.

“Travel medicine is one of the main programs of our clinic. In the first half of this year alone, we treated more than 6,500 clients,” said MUDr. Veronika Jegorová from the Department of Infectious Diseases at the hospital.

“The big advantage of our center is that we can offer not only high-quality pre-departure counseling, but also health care for travelers who face health problems after returning from risk areas,” said Milan Trojánek, a doctor at the hospital.

With expanded capacity and flexible opening hours, the new facility aims to meet the needs of all clients, including those seeking advice before traveling to exotic or high-risk regions.

If you’re planning to travel abroad from Czechia this winter – or if you’re coming from an exotic or high-risk destination – it’s worth noting the current viruses that may infect you, which may potentially ruin your holiday and health.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of them. Common in parts of Europe, travelers at-risk (hikers, for example) should consider vaccination, as there is no specific treatment for the virus. Motol offers TBE vaccinations.

There is also an ongoing outbreak of mpox in Central Africa; the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak (spanning across more than a dozen African nations) a “public health emergency of international concern." High-risk individuals should take two doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine. 

For Dengue fever, so-called Qdenga and Dengvaxia vaccines have been introduced, but they're not perfect. Qdenga helps prevent severe illness in those previously infected, but offers little protection for first-time infections. Mosquito-bite prevention is key.

Malaria is a classic and common illness you must look out for. A new vaccine is being rolled out in Africa, but it's not suitable for travelers, requiring constant boosters. Travelers should use antimalarial drugs and protective measures like mosquito nets.

Typhoid fever endangers you in Asian and African countries, and spreads in areas with poor sanitation. Vaccination is recommended, especially for those traveling to affected regions. Motol also provides this.

Present in over 150 countries, rabies is also a risk. Travelers to high-risk areas should get vaccinated and seek post-exposure treatment if potentially exposed.