Health Status

Anyone with unstable health or medical conditions would be better to do missions in another location. Adequate medical facilities may not be immediately available.

Immunizations

Immunizations that are NOT REQUIRED for entry but are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED by the IMB and U.S. Public Health Service (CDC) to give you important protection:

Routine
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations including: measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), etc. See CDC

Hepatitis A
This very common viral liver infection, is spread by unclean food and water. Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses at least six months apart. This replaces the old "gamma globulin". The first dose protects for over a year, and the second is good for 20 years or more. Minimum age to start series is 1 year. When the 2 shot series is completed, no boosters are necessary. Once you start the series, if incomplete, you never have to restart it, just finish where you left off.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is another type of viral hepatitis. This very common infection can cause liver disease such as cirrhosis, failure and/or cancer. The disease is spread sexually (most commonly), by blood,and body fluids and contaminated equipment such as needles. "MANDATORY" FOR SHORT TERM TRAVELERS WHEN THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF "HANDS ON" INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDCARE OR MEDICAL/DENTAL WORK. Do not get close to medical/dental work or used supplies if you have not had this vaccine. For other short-term travelers, Hepatitis B vaccination is optional. The shot is given at Day 0, Day 30, and Day 60. Once the series is complete, no boosters are necessary. Once this series is started, if incomplete, you never have to restart the series...Just finish where you left off.

Typhoid
Typhoid is a treatable illness that is seldom fatal in previously healthy persons. The risk of becoming ill with typhoid on a trip of a couple of weeks is not very high if reasonable precautions can be taken about food and drink. Vaccination is more important if trip organizers feel that sanitation of food and drink may be especially risky. Typhim VI (shot) is a newer injectable vaccine with far less side effects than the older injection but with a minimum patient age of 2 years. The Typhim shot must be repeated every 2 years while living in typhoid areas. The oral vaccine (Vivotif) is an option for persons at least 6 years of age. The oral typhoid is a total of 4 pills taken one every other day, and is good for 5 years. There is currently no vaccine being produced for children under 2 years of age.

Yellow Fever
Not needed for entrance or residence in this country.

Medications

Malaria
Malaria is present in this country in all rural areas except no risk in tourist resorts. Highest risk in provinces bordering Haiti. Preventive measures include mosquito repellents and oral medications. You should begin anti-malaria medication before you go, while you are there, and after you return. Your doctor can advise you on how long to take it, but it is typically one pill per week beginning one week before and ending four weeks after you return. The medication for this part of the world is Chloroquine (brand name Aralen).

OTC and Prescriptions

You will want to bring over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, stomach ailments, and headaches. Basic remedies for insect bites is also recommended (such as hydrocortizone).

The sun can be quite severe so be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle. You will probably want sunscreen that is SPF 45 or higher (30 may be too low).

Don't forget to bring any personal medications you normally take.

For more information, see the CDC Traveler's Health for the Dominician Republic.

Insurance

Many people find their current insurance does not fully cover them for international travel. You may want to consider purchasing supplemental insurance. One source is Adams and Associates Volunteer Missionary Travel Insurance.