Christmas Island is an Australian territory, lying in the Indian Ocean, South of Indonesia. The island is a nature-lover destination. Thanks to its geographic isolation and minimum human disturbance over its history, Christmas Island is home to a rich and unique wildlife. Covered with dense rain forests, the island has lovely beaches, impressive blowholes and an intriguing vast cave system. But the most impressive attraction of Christmas Island is the world-famous annual breeding migration of red crabs. Each year, spectacular flocks of crabs migrate between the forests and the shores, literally covering Christmas Island with a red moving carpet.
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.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND – 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. |
| 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” |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Chikungunya | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to medical care on Christmas Island is limited. The Christmas Island Hospital provides good basic care, but if you require specific medical treatments, it is advised that you go to mainland Australia, where you will find high quality and well equipped hospital facilities, as well as competent medical professionals. But be aware that medical care in Australia is very expensive. In case of emergency on Christmas Island, call 000. Access to pharmaceutical products is also limited on Christmas Island. Don’t forget to bring with you a well filled medical kit, containing essential drugs and the specific treatments you could require.SECURITY ABROAD
