Away from mass tourism, Solomon Islands is not a beach-party-holiday destination. Instead, the Oceanian island nation offers a genuine Melanesian experience, in a scenery worthy of the best nature documentaries. Impressive volcanic peaks rising from the emerald-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean lie next to beautiful smaller tropical islands hiding lovely beaches and stunning lagoons home to lively coral reefs. The lush jungles covering Solomon Islands are speckled with World War II vestiges and traditional Melanesian villages made of charming leaf-covered huts. True off-the-beaten-tracks destination, the adventurer will find in Solomon Islands an authentic paradise, with absolutely no crowds to ruin it.
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.
SOLOMON ISLANDS – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country.
Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care 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 with the World Health Organization (WHO) website:
https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| 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. |
| Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. 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. |
| 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. |
| Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended for the following groups visiting certain remote areas:
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| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that 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 regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
| MMR – Measles, Mumps, Rubella |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to good medical care is very limited in Solomon Islands. The medical infrastructure is getting old and it is rare to find a medical establishment following international standards in the archipelago. If you require medical care while traveling in Solomon Islands, go to the National Referral Hospital (also known as Central Hospital), located in Honiara, the capital city. This is the main hospital facility in the archipelago. You can also go to the Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda. But these medical establishments are only suitable for basic care. In the event of serious medical issues, you will need to be evacuated by air to another country.
In case of emergency in Solomon Islands, you can contact the National Referral Hospital at 677 23 600 or the Helena Goldie Hospital at 677 61 121.
Medicines are hardly accessible in Solomon Islands, especially outside of the main cities. Pharmacies are few in the archipelago. It is thus indispensable that you bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities when traveling to Solomon Islands.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services- Police: 999
- Medical emergencies: 911
- Fire: 988
- Search and rescue: 977
