Dominican Republic ome people come to the Dominican Republic to enjoy perfect tropical holidays, made of powdery white sand beaches, coconut trees and pristine waters. Other people come here to experience the sweet exotic taste of the countryside, its colorful small villages scattered across sugarcane fields and its omnipresent entertaining Merengue rhythms. The most adventurous venture into the island to swim in its majestic waterfalls, get lost in its lush jungles, hike its majestic mountains and spot whales on the horizon… Whatever your reason of traveling to the Dominican Republic is, you will surely find in this paradise what you are looking for.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Risk of Zika in this Country. 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, 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.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | 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 |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| 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. |
| Cholera | Vaccine recommended for persons traveling to an area of active transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. |
| 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. |
| 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,Chloroquine or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
MEDICAL CARE
In the Dominican Republic, both public and private medical facilities provide health care of good quality in the areas frequented by tourists. But in more remote places, the level of medical care is inadequate. If you need medical assistance, you can go to one of the hospitals located in the capital city, Santo Domingo. In the event of a serious health problem or injury, an air evacuation to another country is required. Be aware that medical expenses can be very expensive in the Dominican Republic.
In case of emergency, call 911.
It is good to know that the pharmacies located in big cities are well stocked and access to medicines is generally good in the country. But it is safer to bring your own complete first aid kit.
SECURITY ABROAD
Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
There is no centralized number to reach emergency services in Dominican Republic.
In Santo Domingo, dial 911.
For all other areas, contact the tourist police (CESTUR). Also, research and always carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.
Tourist police
The tourist police (CESTUR) provide a security presence in tourist areas and first response assistance to tourists.
They can be reached toll-free throughout the country. Dial 1 809 200 3500.
CESTUR – Dominican Republic government (in Spanish)
Road assistance
Free road assistance is offered on all major toll highways 24-hour.
Dial 1 829 688 1000.
