Traveling To Haiti? Get These Cdc-Recommended Vaccinations

Haiti is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, but it's important to take the necessary health precautions before travelling there. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against several diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is also important to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Additionally, the CDC suggests getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, and rabies. It is also recommended to take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Consult with your doctor to determine which vaccines and medicines are most appropriate for your specific travel plans and health conditions.

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age living in the United States. It is also recommended for those travelling to countries with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A, such as Haiti. The vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the second dose administered at least six months after the first. It is recommended to get vaccinated at least four weeks before travelling, but the vaccine is still effective if given at least two weeks before.

In addition to the vaccine, there are other ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help reduce the risk of infection. It is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before handling food. It is also recommended to avoid ice, unbottled water, uncooked or unpeeled vegetables and fruit, and food from street vendors when travelling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A.

The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective, and it is advised for those travelling to regions with a higher risk of contracting the virus or for people who are more likely to come into contact with the virus.

Malaria

The development of a malaria vaccine has faced several obstacles, including the lack of a traditional market, few developers, and the technical complexity of developing a vaccine against a parasite. Malaria parasites have a complex life cycle, and the immune response to malaria infection is not yet fully understood. Malaria parasites are also genetically complex, producing thousands of potential antigens. Unlike other diseases for which we have effective vaccines, exposure to malaria parasites does not confer lifelong protection.

The WHO recommends the programmatic use of malaria vaccines for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria in children living in malaria-endemic areas, prioritising areas of moderate to high transmission. This applies to both RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines. The strategic goals for malaria vaccines by 2030 include developing and licensing malaria vaccines with protective efficacy of at least 75% against clinical malaria for areas with ongoing malaria transmission.

Typhoid

The CDC recommends that travellers to Haiti get the typhoid vaccine, as it is a country where the infection is common. Haiti has also been affected by natural disasters, which may increase the risk of typhoid. The typhoid vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of infection, but it is not 100% effective, so travellers should still be cautious about what they eat and drink.

There are two types of typhoid vaccine: an inactivated (killed) vaccine, and a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine. The inactivated vaccine is administered as an injection, and can be given to anyone aged 2 and above. A dose is recommended at least 2 weeks before travel, and repeated every 2 years for those who remain at risk. The live vaccine is taken orally, and is suitable for people aged 6 and above. It involves taking one capsule every other day, for a total of 4 capsules, with the last dose taken at least 1 week before travel. The oral vaccine needs to be stored in a refrigerator, and each capsule should be swallowed whole with cold or lukewarm water about an hour before meals. The oral vaccine lasts for 5 years, while the shot lasts for 2 years.

Both vaccines may cause side effects. The shot may cause pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fever, headache, and general discomfort. The oral vaccine may lead to fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.

Yellow Fever

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people aged 9 months and older who are traveling to or living in areas at risk of yellow fever virus activity, including Haiti. The vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus and is given as a single shot. It provides lifelong protection for most people, and a booster dose is typically not needed. However, travelers going to areas with ongoing outbreaks may consider getting a booster if it has been more than 10 years since their last vaccination. It is important to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider to determine if you need the yellow fever vaccine or a booster before your trip.

After receiving the yellow fever vaccine, you will be given an "International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis" (ICVP or "yellow card"). This card serves as proof of vaccination and may be required for entry into certain countries. If you do not have this card, you may be required to get vaccinated upon arrival or wait for up to 6 days to ensure you are not infected. Additionally, those who have received the vaccine should not donate blood for 14 days due to the risk of passing the vaccine virus to others.

While the yellow fever vaccine is generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Fever, headache, and muscle aches can also occur. In rare cases, more serious reactions such as nervous system disorders (e.g., encephalitis, meningitis, or Guillain-Barré Syndrome) or life-threatening severe illness with organ dysfunction or failure may occur. People 60 years and older and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing serious reactions.

Rabies

The CDC recommends a rabies vaccine for travellers to Haiti, especially for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals. The rabies vaccine can prevent rabies if given to a person after exposure to the virus. If you have not been vaccinated against rabies before, you will need 4 doses of the vaccine over 2 weeks (given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14). You should also get another medication called rabies immunoglobulin on the day you receive the first dose of the rabies vaccine or soon after. If you have been vaccinated before, you will typically need only 2 doses of the rabies vaccine after exposure.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for anyone at continual, frequent, or increased risk of exposure to the rabies virus, either by nature of their residence or occupation. High-risk individuals include veterinarians, animal handlers, and certain laboratory workers. Pre-exposure vaccination can decrease the number of vaccine doses needed after exposure and minimize adverse reactions to multiple doses.

If you have been exposed to the rabies virus, the wound site should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes. If suturing after wound cleansing cannot be avoided, the wound should first be treated with passive rabies immunization products, and suturing should be delayed for several hours. Prompt administration of the rabies vaccine after exposure, combined with proper wound management and administration of rabies immunoglobulins, is almost always effective in preventing rabies, even after high-risk exposure.

Frequently asked questions