HAITI DISASTER RELIEF
We applaud all who are aiding in Haiti's humanitarian relief effort. If you plan to volunteer in Haiti, please protect your health. Before you travel, see a physician knowledgeable in travel medicine for immunizations, prescriptions, and other safety advice.
Immunizations
|
Hepatitis A or immune globulin Hepatitis A is a liver disease transmitted from person to person. Hepatitis A vaccine, even if administered at the last minute, will provide excellent protection. Repeat vaccination in 6 months will give lifelong protection. Immune globulin, derived from donor blood provides immediate protection which lasts for several months.
|
|
|
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a liver disease transmitted through blood and other secretions from an infected person. Immunization series may be completed in 3 weeks, with a booster in 12 months. One dose may provide some protection.
|
|
|
Typhoid Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food. Both oral and injectable vaccines offer excellent protection. Injection may be simpler, since oral vaccine requires 4 doses over 7 days.
|
|
|
Additional Immunizations Make sure your routine immunizations are up to date. These are tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Td or TdaP), polio and measles/mumps/rubella (MMR).
|
Prescriptions
|
|
Malaria This is a mosquito-born disease. Medications, combined with insect repellents and bed nets provide excellent protection. Your physician can recommend an anti-malarial medication that is best for you.
|
Ultrathon Ultrathon, an insect repellent, offers twelve-hour protection against mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. Permethrin Consider pretreating your bed net with permethrin, an insect repellent.
|
|
Traveler's Diarrhea This is a very common infectious disease. Your physician can advise which antibiotic is best for you. Discuss measures to help prevent this potentially serious disease with your physician. Also, bring loperamide (e.g. Imodium) to help relieve symptoms, and water purification tablets or a water purifier, since clean water may not be available.
|
Safety Advice
Plan to bring the following items with you to Haiti:
Sufficient basic supplies, food, and water Adequate supplies of personal medications A personal first aid kit Personal protective equipment including boots, gloves, and surgical masks.
For additional information updated on a regular basis, please visit the CDC’s website.
To best prepare for travel to Haiti, schedule an appointment with a Travel Clinics of America physician near you.
|
