Lebanon
In a not so distant past, Lebanon was a prosperous country, often referred to as the “Oriental Switzerland”. Unfortunately, decades of civil war have annihilated the nation. The conflict is now over and Lebanon is recovering, waiting for the tourists to come back. Located at the crossroads between Orient and Occident, the small nation offers beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, dense pine forests, fertile orchards, lush vineyards, arid deserts, and countless inestimable archaeological treasures. It is only a matter of time until the sublime Beirut becomes once again the “Paris of the Middle East” and welcomes back flocks of enthusiast visitors.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
LEBANON – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In Lebanon, quality medical care is easily accessible in Beirut. The capital hosts numerous modern and well equipped medical centers. The Executive Health and Travel service of the American University of Beirut Medical Center is advised to travelers in need of medical care in Lebanon. But be aware that medical fees are extremely expensive in the country, especially in the event of a hospitalization.
In case of emergency in Lebanon, you can call the Red Cross at 140.
Numerous pharmaceutical establishments can be found in urban areas in Lebanon. But be careful as some counterfeit drugs are circulating in the country and can be sold in pharmacies. It is thus safer to bring your own medicines. If you need to buy medicines in Lebanon, note that the Millenium pharmacy located on Antelias-Dbayeh Highway close to Beirut (961-3-915562) is a reliable establishment.
SECURITY ABROAD
U.S. airstrike
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 112
- medical assistance: 140
- firefighters: 175
