Travel News Update
Travel Vaccine Guide: If you’re daydreaming of golden beaches, nightlife, and Mediterranean splendor, Spain’s Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are probably at the top of your holiday wish list. Whether you’re off on a family break, singles break, or romantic retreat, something that you might not be thinking about is… vaccines.
Yes, we appreciate that it’s not the most exciting topic when you’re planning your holiday. But if you want your holiday to be an experience for all the right reasons—not because you got sick—it’s well worth spending a few minutes finding out about how to place your health in safe hands when travelling.
Why Travel Vaccines Are More Important Than You Think
You might ask yourself, “Do I absolutely have to have travel Vaccines on my mind in order to go to Spain?” The quick answer is: yes, it’s a good idea.
Spain’s a third-world nation with wonderful medicine, but with so many people coming and going yearly, disease still gets transmitted now and then—mostly the ones we may not necessarily consider on a daily level. Spanish travel authorities and public health officials have recently updated their immunization recommendations for travelers, especially for travelers to the Balearic Islands.
A few simple steps before your holiday can go a long way to keeping you well and making sure that each and every second of your holiday is worthwhile.
The Basics: Routine Travel Vaccines You Need to Check
Start by spending a minute checking that you’re up to date with your routine travel Vaccines. These are the ones we had when we were little, but these wear off after a while.
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP)
Just because you’ve had them years ago doesn’t mean that you can’t get a booster—especially with tetanus. You don’t catch tetanus from other people. It’s in the dirt and in dust, and it can get into your body through cuts or scrapes—something quite easily done while walking, cycling, or just striding outside.
If it’s been longer than 10 years since you’ve had a tetanus vaccination, speak with your physician prior to leaving.
Polio and Rabies: Uncommon But Worth Reading About
Two additional diseases worth reading about when planning your Spain vacation are polio and rabies.
What about polio?
You will be surprised to know that polio, which everybody believed no longer existed, has come back in recent years. Yes, in 2024, a trace of a vaccine-derived poliovirus was found in wastewater in Catalonia—not too far from the Balearic Islands.
Though the risk is low, better safe than sorry. If you haven’t had a polio booster in a while—or if you’re not sure whether you ever completed the series—see your doctor. And take care with your hygiene while you’re overseas: wash your hands, avoid drinking unclean water, and be careful about eating on the street.
And rabies?
Rabies carriers are not common in Spain, but bats are—and all it takes is a scratch or bite from a bat, and you won’t even know you’ve been bitten.”.
For most people, a rabies travel Vaccines isn’t necessary. But if you’re doing outdoor activities like caving, camping, or working with animals, it could be worth considering. And no matter what, steer clear of wild animals (even the cute ones), and if you’re ever bitten or scratched, get medical help immediately.
Smart Tips for a Healthy Holiday
Vaccines are just part of staying safe on your trip. Here are a few simple but effective ways to stay well while enjoying everything the islands have to offer:
- Wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer when you’re on the go.
- Avoid drinking tap water if you’re not sure it’s safe. Bottled water is a safer bet.
- Stay away from wild or stray animals—even if they seem friendly.
- Pack a travel health kit with items like painkillers, band-aids, hand sanitizer, and any medication you might need.
- Photocopy your vaccination certificates, in the event that you need medical care abroad.
- See a travel health clinic or your doctor before you travel. They will offer you up-to-date advice related to your travel itinerary.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Spain’s Balearic Islands are a earthly heaven for visitors. From Ibiza’s nightlife beaches to Menorca’s tranquil magic, they provide something for every need. And the last thing you want is for sickness to destroy your holiday.
It takes the effort to stay up to date with your vaccinations and incorporating a few easy habits for good health isn’t drudgery—but it’s a damn shockingly life-altering step. You’ll be flying off with a clear conscience, knowing you’re being kind to yourself and others.
So before you start packing your flip flops and sunscreen into your luggage, travel Vaccines fit in a quick health check to the itinerary. And then away you go and soak up those sunsets, tapas, and island life—blissfully hassle-free.
