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Baalbek, Lebanon

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Lebanon health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Sometimes
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

No
Rabies

No
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Sometimes
Yellow Fever

No*

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers from infected areas.

Health insurance is essential. Private healthcare in Lebanon is expensive. Lebanese hospitals are very modern and well equipped and many doctors are highly qualified. All doctors speak either English or French. The majority of hospitals in the region are private and require proof of the patient's ability to pay the bill before providing treatment (even in emergency cases). Visitors who are not insured and require hospitalisation should contact their embassy for advice. Standards at Lebanon's public hospitals are much lower. The two best hospitals in the country are the Hôtel Dieu in Achrafieh, Beirut, and the AUBMC (American University of Beirut Medical Centre) in Hamra, Beirut.

Food and drink: 

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is recommended. Drinking water outside main towns and cities is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks: 

Hepatitis B is present but rare. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
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