Vaccinations Before Traveling

Whenever traveling to a country, especially when backpacking for a long time, make sure to get all vaccinations needed. Vaccinations usually take several weeks to take affect, so try to visit a doctor 4 to 6 weeks prior to your trip. If you can't schedule an appointment before then, visit your doctor anyways. Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico are three islands that require similar concerns and precautions.

Cholera

In both Haiti and the Dominican Republic there has been an outbreak of cholera. Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. The transfer of cholera mostly occurs when food or water is contaminated with feces from an infected person. Make sure to drink bottled water. If you are cooking abroad, make sure to use water that is purified. This also applies when you brush your teeth and if you are ever making ice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that travelers are not at a high risk of getting cholera but travelers visiting Haiti should bring their own supplies. They recommend to pack:

A prescription antibiotic to take in case of diarrhea
Water purification tablets
Oral rehydration salts

When I was in Haiti, I bought three small water bags from the locals, which eventually made me nauseous. I didn't bring any antibiotics and by the time I crossed over to the Dominican Republic I had a fever. If it wasn't for the family I was staying with in Santiago, I would have had extreme side effects. So please, be careful.

Dengue

In Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, dengue, the virus mosquitoes transmit, has also been of concern. Symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and rashes can be associated as side effects. If you are ever affected, visit the hospital right away.

*As per the CDC, make sure to wear repellent that contains one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.

Routine Vaccinations

Make sure to be updated on routine vaccinations. Such are: