Falkland Islands
Composed of two main islands and countless smaller ones, the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands is a haven for nature lovers. Lying off the coasts of Southern South America, the Falklands are home to a very rich wildlife. Spectacular flocks of penguins, albatrosses and many other birds, as well as different species of seals and various types of cetaceans are found in the Falkland Islands. The archipelago is very scarcely populated, with most of the Falklanders living in Stanley, the capital city. With far more sheep than people and a beautiful scenery made of hills covered with grasslands, the Falklands offer a delightful quaint rural lifestyle.
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.
FALKLAND ISLANDS – 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). |
| 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 | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
MEDICAL CARE
In the Falkland Islands, medical care is of satisfying quality but remains limited. The only hospital facility in the archipelago is the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley. It is well equipped and provides good basic care, but in case of serious complications, an air evacuation to another country is needed.
If you need an ambulance in the Falkland Islands, call 999.
Basic medicines and pharmaceutical products of good quality are easily accessible in the Falkland Islands. But if you require specific treatments or intend to go to remote areas, don’t forget to bring your own medical supplies.
SECURITY ABROAD
Unexploded landmines dating back to 1982 remain on the Falkland Islands. All mine fields are fenced off with barbed wire and identified with red warning triangles. Do not enter the mine fields and do not damage or remove the fences or signs.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 999 for emergency assistance.
