Haiti vaccines & travel advice
Still bearing the scars of the destructive 2010 earthquake, Haiti has however what it takes to become one of the next alternative Caribbean travel destinations. Haiti has a rich history and a strong cultural identity. It was the first independent nation in Latin America and it is the only one in the world having been created after a successful slave revolution. Sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, Haiti is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean and has pristine beaches which have nothing to envy to its neighbors. Haiti has a truly mesmerizing atmosphere, making the country hard to leave once you have experienced it…
What vaccines do I need for in Haiti 2021
The Government of Canada and the CDC recommend the following vaccines for travelling to Haiti In 2024: Traveller’s DiaDiarrhée du voyageur, Measles, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Flu, COVID-19.
Health advice for travel in Haiti
Risk of Zika in Haiti. Learn More >>
Risk of Dengue Fever Haiti. Learn More >>
Risk of Chikungunya in Haiti. Learn More >>
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, travel health risks in Haiti can change quickly.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic to make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
Due to recent natural disasters, there is currently an epidemic of cholera in Haiti. As such, the recommendations for pre-travel vaccination against cholera have been expanded to include all travellers: -who may potentially be exposed to unsanitary conditions -who may have difficulty accessing clean water or adequate medical resources -with underlying gastrointestinal conditions or taking medications that may make them more susceptible to Cholera infectionVisit with one of our travel health professionals to see if these updated recommendations apply to you and to receive information on how to prevent and treat Cholera and various other travel-related illnesses.
HAITI – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis |
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. 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. Note that measles is currently endemic. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 travel in Haiti
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline,Chloroquine or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
MEDICAL CARE IN HAITI
Public hospitals in Haiti offer limited medical services. The health care provided by these establishments is of poor quality. Port-Au-Prince, the capital city, hosts a few private medical practices and clinics, but the level of health care remains low even in these facilities. In case of medical problems, you are advised to go to the Canape Vert Hospital or to the Diquini Adventist Hospital, located in the capital.
In case of emergency in Haiti, call 118.
Be aware that there are no strict regulations on pharmaceutical products in Haiti, making drugs purchased in the country sometimes dangerous to use. It is easy to buy medicines without a prescription. Avoid buying drugs from street vendors. The following pharmaceutical establishments are reliable : the Pharmacie du Champ de Mars, Multipharma and the Pharmacie Panacée in Port-Au-Prince. Always bring your own medical supplies.
SECURITY ABROAD
The Bel Air, Carrefour, Cité Soleil and Martissant neighbourhoods continue to be dangerous areas due to criminal activity and local authorities’ lack of capacity to ensure order. Police presence is not guaranteed in these areas and your personal safety might be at risk. The police are unable …
Emergency services in Haiti
There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.
ALERTS in HAITI
Oct 2016 – There is currently an epidemic of cholera in Haiti.
