Bangladesh Travel Health Vaccines and Advice
Bangladesh may not be the first destination you would pick, but this South Asian country bordered by India has numerous wonders to offer its visitors. Adventurers will find here beautiful beaches, numerous rivers and waterfalls, marshy jungles and the largest mangrove forest in the world. The diverse ecosystems of Bangladesh are home to rich flora and fauna, including the majestic Bengal Tiger. Remote rural villages hide warm and hospitable people, who will often welcome foreign visitors with a cup of tea. Travelling in Bangladesh is a genuinely eye-opening experience, ideal for those seeking a true change of scenery.
HEALTH INFORMATION FOR BANGLADESH
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 BANGLADESH
| 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. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Cholera | Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. |
| 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 FOR BANGLADESH
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE IN BANGLADESH
Bangladesh has a very poor health care system. The medical infrastructure is insufficient and in very bad condition, even in the most touristic areas. The best hospital you can find in Bangladesh is the Apollo Hospital in Dhaka. It has modern medical equipment and qualified staff. Be aware that consultations, medicines and treatments have to be paid in cash.
Emergency services are extremely limited in Bangladesh. If you need an ambulance, you can contact the Apollo Hospital at 880 9896623 2.
The medicines sold in Bangladesh don’t undergo rigorous quality controls. Many counterfeit drugs circulate freely in the country and some pharmacists don’t have a governmental license. It is thus essential that you bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities.
SECURITY ABROAD
There is a serious risk of politically motivated violence, kidnapping and ethnic clashes in this region. If you are visiting the Chittagong Hill Tracts region despite this advisory, register at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Chittagong City before making your way there.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Nationwide
- Police, firefighters and ambulance (from a cellular phone only): 999
- Helpline for violence against women and children: 10921
If you are in Dhaka, you can also dial the following numbers from any phone:
- police: 88 017 133 98311 / 8802 951 4400
- firefighters: 8802 955 5555 / 8802 955 6666 / 8802 955 6667
If you do not have a cellular phone and are outside of Dhaka, research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.
