Vaccinations in Turkey are mandatory and provided free of charge to children before they enter school. Most vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and DTP IPV (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio), are administered at one year and six months of age. Starting from 2020, revaccination is conducted at the age of two in family health centers.
It is important to know the names of the main vaccinations administered in Turkey. BCG – against tuberculosis, PCV – against pneumococcal infection, OPV – against polio, DT – against diphtheria and tetanus, Varicella – against chickenpox, PPD test – for tuberculosis detection.
At two and four months, children are required to receive vaccinations against rotavirus. From the age of 13, vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus is recommended. Adults can also receive vaccinations upon their own request, and pregnant women are often advised to get vaccinated.
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend a repeat vaccination of a “childhood vaccination” even for an adult patient. The flu vaccine can be purchased at a pharmacy or obtained from a family doctor, but it is only provided free of charge to individuals over the age of 65 or those with chronic illnesses.
The HPV vaccine called Gardasil is not provided free of charge in Turkey, although doctors have been trying to include it in the state program for a long time. The cost of one dose of the vaccine is 2575 lira, and 2-3 doses are required for complete vaccination. This vaccine is administered in private clinics.
Covid-19 vaccination for residents of Turkey is free, and the active revaccination process is currently ongoing. Appointments for vaccination can be scheduled through MHRS slots.
There is no unified vaccination certificate, but information about vaccinations can be viewed on the e-nabiz electronic service.
If you visit a family doctor, all basic vaccinations for children and adults will be administered free of charge.
