Pakistan hides many natural and cultural wonders and totally deserves to be the next travelers haven. But the country is unfortunately constantly facing diverse tragic events and political instability, making its treasures sometimes hard to reach by visitors. Pakistan offers landscapes among the most stunning in Asia, from glaciated mountain peaks to forested hills and desert plains. The country is culturally very rich and hosts countless ancient architectural jewels, bearing witness to its fascinating history. But the true gem of Pakistan is certainly its over-charming population, which will always welcome the foreigner lucky enough to discover the country with genuine curiosity and a cup of tea.
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.
PAKISTAN – 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- |
| 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. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| 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. |
| Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended for the following groups visiting certain remote areas:
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| Polio | Polio vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to this region. A polio booster dose as an adult (>18 years old) is strongly recommended to travellers who have previously completed childhood polio vaccination. Proof of vaccination may be required for some travellers. |
| 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 good quality health care in Pakistan is very limited and sometimes impossible outside of major cities. If you need medical care in Pakistan, you are advised to go to the Aga Khan University Hospital, located in Karachi. The health care provided by this establishment is following Western standards. In the event of serious sickness or injury, an evacuation to another country is required.
Emergency services in Pakistan are not reliable. Ambulances are few in the country and they are not staffed by well trained medical professionals. In case of emergency, it is safer to bring the victim directly to the nearest quality hospital with a private car. In the event of a pediatric emergency, go to the Children’s Hospital which is located in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
Don’t seek medical advice in pharmacies, as their personnel are not competent to give you reliable medical information. The medicines sold in Pakistan are produced in the country in collaboration with major international pharmaceutical firms. It is strongly advised that you bring your own medical supplies when traveling to Pakistan.
SECURITY ABROAD
The Government of Canada may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in parts of the country due to security concerns, in areas where the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry or where advance permission is required for entry. We strongly recommend that Canadians sign up with …
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 15
- medical assistance: 115 / 1122
- firefighters: 16
