Health in Russia: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

If you are up‑to‑date on standard childhood vaccines, no extra shots are required for Russia. Add hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid if you plan to eat street food or stay in remote areas; rabies only for prolonged wildlife exposure.

Routine immunisations (MMR, DTP, polio, seasonal flu) are sufficient for most visitors. The Russian health system does not require any entry‑specific vaccine.

Hepatitis A: recommended for all travellers because the virus can be transmitted via contaminated food or water, especially in rural regions.

Hepatitis B: advisable for anyone who may have medical procedures, tattoos, or sexual contact with locals.

Typhoid (oral): useful if you plan to eat food from street vendors or travel outside major cities.

Rabies pre‑exposure: consider only if you will work with animals, hike in remote forests, or stay for long periods in the Russian Far East.

Japanese encephalitis: risk is low except in the far‑east (e.g., Khabarovsk Krai) during summer; vaccine only if you will spend weeks in rural areas.

Tap water in Moscow, St Petersburg and other major cities meets sanitary standards and is safe to drink. In smaller towns and rural areas, boil water for at least one minute or use bottled water.

Public hospitals provide free emergency care for residents; foreigners are charged for treatment. Private clinics in big cities offer English‑speaking staff but can be expensive.

Travel insurance that covers medical treatment, hospitalisation and evacuation is strongly recommended. Russian hospitals may not accept foreign health cards, and repatriation costs can be high.

COVID‑19 coverage should be included, as policies may change and some providers require proof of vaccination or a negative test for entry.