Dominican Republic Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Sometimes* |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
* Malaria risks are low throughout the year in all areas, antimalarial are not usually advised. There is a slightly higher risk by the boarders of Haiti, Santo Domingo and La Altagracia. Use insect repellent on exposed skin, use a mosquito net if possible and avoid bites by covering up skin, mainly after sunset.
Health Care
Health insurance (including emergency repatriation) is strongly recommended. Medical care is limited and variable in quality. An emergency service is available in Santo Domingo.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated and sterilisation should be considered essential. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
A vaccination for hepatitis A is recommended to all tourists. For travellers spending longer at Dominican Republic, a vaccination for tuberculosis and hepatitis B is recommended. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Outbreaks of dengue fever occur from time to time. Rabies may be present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered.
