Kiribati
Travel clinic Kiribati
Travel health and vaccine advice for Kiribati

The Republic of Kiribati is an island nation composed of about thirty atolls and the raised-coral solitary island of Banaba. Widely spread out across the Central Pacific Ocean, both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, the tiny atolls mostly surround emerald-blue lagoons and barely rise above the ocean, arousing the sometimes disturbing feeling of being lost in an endless blue desert. The nation is very low-populated and most of the inhabitants are still surviving on coconuts, breadfruits and fish, as they have always done. This isolated paradise doesn’t get many visitors… Yet its sandy beaches and hidden World War II wrecks deserve to be discovered!

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.

KIRIBATI – 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-country-list.pdf
Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B 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
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”
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

Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

Most of the medical facilities in Kiribati offer basic medical care of very satisfying quality, in both public and private sectors. Note that all medical fees and treatments in the country have to be paid in cash. In the event of a serious disease, medical complications or a severe injury, an air evacuation to another country is required. Be aware that the cost of such an evacuation can be very expensive. It is thus strongly advised to subscribe a good travel health insurance covering repatriation before traveling to Kiribati.

If you need an ambulance, call 999. 

Access to medicines in the country is sometimes very limited. Be sure to bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities.

SECURITY ABROAD

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 192 or 188
  • medical assistance: 994 or +686 28100 (Tungaru Central Hospital)
  • firefighters: 193
 
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