Kyrgyzstan
Located on the mythical Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan is a captivating Central Asian country. Although the nation has been at the crossroads of many great civilizations throughout its history, the visitor won’t find any sophisticated architectural or archaeological wonders here… But instead he will discover an astonishingly beautiful country, home to a charming semi-nomadic population. Kyrgyz people still live in a traditional way, periodically leading their herds of livestock in the mountains, living at the same rhythm as their small robust horses and sleeping in yurts. Sharing their genuine way of life for a while is the best way to experience Kyrgyzstan’s stunning mountains!
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.
KYRGYZSTAN – 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. |
| 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 |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Lyme disease | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick 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
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to health care is limited in Kyrgyzstan, and even the most basic care provided in the country is precarious. Note that some hospital centers offering good quality health care can be found in the capital city, Bishkek. The Medical Associates Clinic, the VIP Clinic and the German-Kyrgyz Medical Center are usually advised to foreigners. Outside of the capital city, the medical infrastructure is very poor, and sometimes even non existent.
In case of emergency, call 103.
Most of the medicines sold in Kyrgyzstan come from Russia and other former Soviet Republics. Drug importation is strictly regulated by the government, but medicines in the country may not be following Western standards. Reliable pharmaceutical services are guaranteed in the Prestige pharmacy (621-462), the Neman pharmacy (216-792) and the Central Pharmacy (681-005), all located in Bishkek. But be sure to bring your personal medical kit.
