Kuwait
Kuwait is a petroleum-based economy Arab country located in Western Asia. The small nation was once a prosperous center of trade and commerce but it has now lost its leader position. More businessmen than tourists are coming in Kuwait, though the country is constantly extending its tourism related infrastructures. Some interesting museums and art galleries are found in the country, while the magnificent capital city’s Grand Mosque and the intriguing futurist Kuwait towers shouldn’t be missed. Kuwait is not really a backpacking destination and the tourism here is mostly based on lazy sunny holidays in big amusement parks and luxury resorts.
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.
KUWAIT – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Dengue Fever | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. |
| 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. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The health care system in Kuwait has seen great improvements these past years. The country is now able to provide satisfying medical care, even if it is not yet following Western standards. Be aware that medical fees are quite expensive and that doctors expect to be paid immediately. The Al Salam Hospital and the New Mowasat Hospital are greatly prized by foreigners. They both have emergency services accessible 24 hours a day. If you need a cardiologist, Dr Majed Al-Dusouqi (472-9911 (4114)) is a renowned specialist in Kuwait.
In case of emergency, call 112.
Local pharmacies are usually well stocked. They are opened until very late. Most of the hospitals in the country have their own pharmaceutical services. But be sure to bring sufficient medicines with you when traveling to Kuwait, especially antidepressants and sleeping drugs, as they are particularly hard to find in the country.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
