Totally Rome
Health & pharmacies in Rome
No special vaccinations needed — but here's how the practical health system works for visitors.
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required to visit Rome or Italy generally — standard routine vaccinations (as recommended by your home country's health authority) are sufficient. There is no yellow fever, malaria or similar tropical disease risk in Rome.
Pharmacies
Italian farmacie (marked with a green cross, often illuminated) are extensive, well-stocked, and staffed by pharmacists trained to give informal medical advice for minor issues — a useful first stop for anything short of an emergency. Many operate on a rota system for late-night and Sunday coverage; a sign in the window directs you to the nearest open pharmacy when one is closed.
Tap water
Rome's tap water is safe to drink and generally good quality — sourced largely from aqueducts feeding the city's famous nasoni street fountains, which are also safe to drink from directly.
Emergency care
Dial 112 for any emergency (the pan-European number, which routes to the appropriate service). EU citizens can use their EHIC/GHIC card for state hospital treatment; non-EU visitors should have travel insurance with adequate medical coverage, as covered in our travel insurance guide.
