Yemen
Lying in the Southwestern corner of the Arabian peninsula, Yemen is a land of a fascinating natural beauty, full of mythology, and utterly unique. Bordered by the incredibly arid Rub Al Khali desert and the sublime Red Sea, Yemen is partially covered with dramatic mountains. Numerous magnificent archaeological vestiges are scattered across the country, bearing witness to an incredibly rich centuries-old history. However, Yemen’s troubled recent past of civil wars and tribal conflicts doesn’t make it an easy country to visit. But adventurers daring to venture into the Arabian nation will be greatly rewarded by a spectacular and unforgettable change of scenery.
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.
YEMEN – 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 |
| 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. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| 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. |
| 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
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Access to medical care is very limited in Yemen, especially outside of the cities of Sanaa and Aden. The Yemeni-German Hospital in Sanaa is the most modern and best equipped medical facility in the country. The Modern German Hospital is another option. These establishments provide satisfying basic care, but any serious health issue requires an air evacuation to another country.
Be aware that emergency services are extremely restricted in Yemen. They are not reliable and non existent in many regions. In Sanaa, you can call an ambulance at 01-418-000 or 418-690/1 (Yemeni-German Hospital) or at 01-200-000 or 213-870 (Azal Specialized Hospital).
Pharmacies in Yemen are numerous in the main cities, but they are not strictly controlled by the government and they lack specific drugs. Always bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities when traveling to Yemen.
SECURITY ABROAD
Houthi rebels and other armed groups in Yemen, including the Yemeni military, are in open conflict throughout the country. A coalition of countries is launching airstrikes into Yemen in order to curtail Houthi rebel gains in the country. Airstrikes could occur anywhere, at any time.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 199 for emergency assistance.
