BESG immunisation requirements are derived from guidelines common to most countries and take into account differing schedules. Additional recommended vaccines are based on the UK national schedule and FCO recommendations for long-term postings in Turkey.

Required Immunisations
(Please supply photocopy of childs immunisation record with dates or reasons not given - if there was an objection)

Required: DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - A series of 3 doses in first year of life and a booster some time between 1 and 6 years of age. If not known and no record available discuss with doctor with a view to getting at least a booster

Required: Polio - Given as schedule above. This may be in oral or injectable form.If not known and no record available advice as above

Required: MMR and / or Measles (Measles, mumps and rubella ) - Minimum of 2 doses by the age of 6 years. It is highly recomended that at least one of these is the MMR combined vaccine.If not known and no record available a blood test result for antibody levels is required and immunisation as appropriate

Required: Either BCG tuberculosis vaccine- one injection(evidence of scar and/or date is acceptable) or PPD ( skin test for tuberculosis sensitivity ) skin test result if the child has lived in a country with a high incidence of TB within the last two years. If the child is coming from a country with a low incidence of TB and has not had BCG vaccine we do not require a skin test result. However, please note BCG vaccine IS recommended for postings to Turkey and for countries which have a non BCG policy such as the United States, we may require periodic skin test results during the time at the school, eg yearly.

Required: Hepatitis B - a series of 3 injections given over 6-12 months. If started prior to attendance, the course can easily be completed in Ankara.If not known and no record available a blood test for antibody levels is required then immunisation as appropriate

Additonal recommended vaccines

Hepatitis A - a course of 2 injections given over 6-12 months. Course can easily be completed in Ankara. If not known and no record, blood test for antibody levels can be done

Hib if advised in national schedule (eg. UK, USA)
Meningitis C (UK)
Pneumococcal (USA)
Varicella (chickenpox) (USA)

Other vaccines
(Your healthcare provider may recommend these for general travel in Turkey.)

Rabies - a course of 3 injections over 1 month (note: although there has not been a case of rabies in Ankara for many years, it does occur in Turkey and the human form of Rabies Immunoglobulin is usually not available in Turkey).

Typhoid - an oral course or one injection (not available in Turkey).

Malaria prophylaxis medication - sometimes recommended for travel to south east Turkey during certain seasons.

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