Tajikistan
Tajikistan is located in Central Asia. The small country was previously home to a myriad of ancient civilizations, kingdoms, dynasties and empires, before becoming part of the Soviet Union. Almost immediately after its independence, a violent five-year civil war unfortunately took place in the country, weakening even more an already poor nation. Tajikistan’s economy has now recovered and the country is ready to welcome travelers seeking a genuine off-the-beaten-tracks experience. Timeless picturesque rural villages lost in incredibly dramatic mountains, offering endless trekking and climbing possibilities, await adventurers, who will always be warmly welcomed by the charming local population.
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.
TAJIKISTAN – 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The medical infrastructure in Tajikistan remains very precarious. Numerous doctors, specialists and other health professionals have fled the country during the 1992-1997 civil war which occurred after the Soviet Union collapsed. Some hospitals in Tajikistan don’t even have electricity and running water. As a result, the health care provided by these medical facilities is of poor quality. If you absolutely need medical care in Tajikistan, you can go to the Center of Family Medicine in Dushanbe, the capital city. This medical facility was established in collaboration with the American Boulder Community Hospital located in Colorado. There is also a similar hospital in Konibodom. Hospitals in Tajikistan are not able to take in charge serious health issues, which require an immediate air evacuation to another country.
In case of emergency in Tajikistan, call 03. Be aware that your interlocutor won’t speak English.
Pharmaceutical products, even basic, are rare in Tajikistan. The country faces a serious drug shortage. It is thus indispensable that you bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities when traveling to Tajikistan, especially if you need very specific treatments.
SECURITY ABROAD
The security situation along the border with Afghanistan remains unstable, as this area is used as a transit point for drugs and other forms of illegal trafficking.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
