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Ruins on top of Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Sometimes
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

Sometimes
Rabies

Sometimes
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Yes
Yellow Fever

No*
Hepatitis B

Yes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Treatment is free at government hospitals and dispensaries; 24-hour treatment is available at Colombo National Hospital. Some hotels also have doctors.

Food and drink: 

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water and a variety of mineral waters are available at most hotels. Unpasteurised milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Pasteurised and sterilised milk is available in some hotels and shops. Avoid dairy products made with unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: 

Vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

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