Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026: Health Protection Guidance
Summary
ECDC has published comprehensive health protection guidance for attendees of the 2026 Winter Olympics (6-22 February) and Paralympics (6-15 March) in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The guidance covers vaccination requirements, respiratory infection prevention, food safety, sexually transmitted infection risks, and medical access for international visitors.
Key Health Recommendations
Vaccination Requirements
- Measles: MMR vaccination emphasized due to global measles transmission and outbreaks
- Timing: Full immunization protection needed at least two weeks before departure
- Status verification: All attendees should check their immunization status before traveling
Respiratory Infection Prevention
Winter mass gatherings pose increased risks for respiratory infections, particularly for vulnerable populations:
Recommended vaccinations:
- Seasonal influenza vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- RSV vaccine (for eligible groups)
Protective measures:
- Maintain distance from symptomatic individuals
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoid touching face
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing/sneezing
- Wear masks in crowded settings if symptomatic
Food and Water Safety
- Italian tap water is safe for consumption
- Cook food thoroughly
- Wash fresh produce
- Discard perishable food left at room temperature over 2 hours
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Common STIs in Europe:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Mpox
Protection measures:
- Use condoms
- Get tested after unprotected sexual encounters
Medical Access
- EU citizens can use European Health Insurance Card for necessary medical care
- Lombardy region provides dedicated emergency service information online
Public Health Significance
This guidance reflects ECDC’s proactive approach to mass gathering events, addressing multiple health risks simultaneously. The emphasis on measles vaccination aligns with ongoing global measles outbreaks. The comprehensive nature of the guidance (respiratory infections, STIs, food safety) demonstrates understanding of diverse health risks at international sporting events.
Reference
ECDC News, Published: 5 February 2026