If the soul of Robinson Crusoe lies deep inside you and your greatest dream is to live on a deserted island, then you should head to Tuvalu, a nation made of tiny islands and atolls scattered across the middle of the Pacific Ocean… Due to the remoteness of the place, you will probably be the only tourist in the country and have paradise white sand beaches all for yourself. Barely higher than the ocean level, the palm-tree fringed flat islands of Tuvalu may appear boring, yet they offer excellent scuba diving possibilities and interesting vestiges of World War II.
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.
TUVALU – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | 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. |
| 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 |
| Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| 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. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The medical infrastructure in Tuvalu remains very limited. The health care establishments found in the archipelago are not well equipped and lack medicines. The main hospital facility in Tuvalu is the Princess Margaret Hospital located in Vaiaku. In case of serious sickness or injury, an air evacuation to New Zealand, Hawaii or to your country of origin is indispensable.
If you need an ambulance in Tuvalu, call 20 750.
Numerous pharmacies are found in major cities, but they are not well supplied. Some specific treatments are impossible to find in Tuvalu. Don’t forget to bring your own medicines in sufficient quantities.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency servicesDial 911 for emergency assistance.
