The Philippines is a singular country, spiritually and culturally completely apart from the rest of Southeast Asia. Centuries of Spanish rule have shaped a very Catholic country, and the American have next brought a western way of life, made of malls and fast-foods. There are more than 7000 islands comprised in the Philippines archipelago. From the touristy paradise of Boracay to the intriguing tarsiers of Bohol, the witches and vampires of Siquijor, the untouched nature of Palawan and the active volcanoes of Luzon, there is truly an island to suit every traveler. Not to mention countless diving spots among the most beautiful on the planet…
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.
RECOMMENDED VACCINES FOR PHILIPPINES
| Yellow Fever | Proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry into this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your healthcare professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Tetanus – Diphtheria – Pertussis Vaccine | Recommended for all travellers. |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travellers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travellers. |
| Tetanus-Diphtheria – 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 have elapsed since the last dose. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (between weeks 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses are recommended for all travelers born after 1970 if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended for travelers who may visit rural regions and farms, especially those travelling for a month or more, and recommended for those spending a lot of time outdoors, such as camping, hiking, bicycling or working in the field, especially after dusk. The risk of Japanese is particularly elevated during monsoon season. The period of the Monsoon season varies based on the areas visited. Important to note, that vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is administered in 2 doses with a minimum time delay between doses. |
| Poliomyelitis | Recommended for all travelers. |
| 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. The vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travellers |
| Rabies | For travelers are 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 a one-week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| Travellers’ diarrhea | 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. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in Cambodia. The risk may be region-specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the healthcare professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | Many illnesses are transmitted via mosquito bites, and unfortunately, we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional about the specific risks and illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS FOR TRAVEL TO PHILIPPINES
| Médicaments Antimalaria Recommandés | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended for the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea / Turista | Azithromycin or Suprax |
Two doses are recommended for all travelers born after 1970 if not previously given.
MEDICAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the medical infrastructure remains insufficient, especially in rural areas. In the most isolated islands, it is almost impossible to have access to satisfying medical care. In large urban areas, it is possible to find good health care, especially in Manila, the capital city. The Metropolitan Medical Center and the Saint Thomas University Hospital are quality medical establishments located in the capital. In the event of a serious sickness, medical complications or a severe injury, an air evacuation to another country is required.
In case of emergency in the Philippines, call 117.
In the main cities, pharmacies are well stocked, but in rural and remote areas, it can be very hard to find drugs. Don’t forget to bring your own medical supplies when traveling to the Philippines, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
AMBASSADE DU CANADA
Emergency servicesEmergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial 911.
