DR Vaccinations?!

S2BLennon · 05-18-2008, 01:34 PM

I have searched throughout this site for specific shots / immunizations are needed prior to travelling to Puta Cana - DR and have yet to find a full list. anyone know / been told what vaccinations should be taken for travel to the DR? I want to supply this info to my guests.

Thanks for the help!

foxytv · 05-18-2008, 04:08 PM

We didn't get any -- no one in our group did, and we had 40 people altogether. No one had any issues whatsoever.

CaliaA07 · 05-18-2008, 04:15 PM

I wouldn't get any shots. Just a personal opinion. Practicing good hygiene and being healthy and taking your vitamins. You should be fine.
ETA: Getting a shot right before you go is risky. If you had a vax reaction you'd be sick on your trip and that would suck. I wouldn't risk it.

shellb · 05-18-2008, 05:32 PM

Take a look at the following site for recommended vacinations:

MD Travel Health - Dominican Republic - vaccinations, polio, malaria prevention, and other health advice

Some you probably already have like the Measles & Rubella one. I know I got it when I was a kid back in like grade six as part of a school vaccination program.

My FI and I have gotten our Twinrix shots for Hep A just to be on the safe side. My sister on the other hand does not plan on getting any.

Mamajo · 05-18-2008, 06:38 PM

Good link! I was wondering about my friend who is going to try and get pregnant this fall so I forwarded her this link. Thanks!

S2BLennon · 05-18-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliaA07

I wouldn't get any shots. Just a personal opinion. Practicing good hygiene and being healthy and taking your vitamins. You should be fine.
ETA: Getting a shot right before you go is risky. If you had a vax reaction you'd be sick on your trip and that would suck. I wouldn't risk it.

Yeah that is why I am asking now since we don't leave until 10 months from now. My mom doesn't travel much and one person tells her she is going to a place next to a "3rd world country" aka Haiti, and she is all up about taking drugs to make sure that we dont get any diseases. I am fine with being myself. But you know how news travels and people start talking amungst themselves. I think I would rather be pro-active and give them the info and then let them make the decision on their own on what to do. That way no one can freak out or say Itold you so! he he

CaliaA07 · 05-18-2008, 07:34 PM

I think it's all a personal choice. I'm very very anti-vaccine and I don't want to shove it down anyones throat. But really that link said some of it. Only if you're going out of your resort and eating or drinking unsafe food then I don't think you really need any vaccines. I'm more taking vitamin B12, Vitamin E, etc. I think if you're in your resort the chances of getting some life threatening are pretty low. I would definitely read up on both sides of getting a vaccine and look at the risks of the vaccine and the risk of the disease. And weigh your pros and cons. If you want help on any of the vaccines you're thinking of getting, please PM me.

S2BLennon · 05-18-2008, 08:54 PM

Yeah I think that we will be fine since we are not thinking of leaving the resort. But then again my mom thinks we need to update meds for the flight etc...

i think that I heard something about HepA and HepB shots and then some pills to take for Malaria. Not sure what they are.. anyone know?

shellb · 05-19-2008, 04:44 AM

I suggest talking to your doctor or go to a travel clinic if they have one in your area. That way you can talk to someone who can give you the medical pros and cons of the vaccines. Let them know you are against vaccines, but want to make an informed decision. Mine was able to give me suggestions like, strict personal hygiene practices and avoiding raw and unpeeled food.

My FI and I do plan on leaving the resort, so we opted for the Hep A vaccinations.

I have given my guests the info and suggested they talk to their doctor. It's the best you can do for them, put the information out there so they can make the decision.

JulieG · 05-19-2008, 06:39 AM

In 2001 before I went to Thailand I got the Twinrix shots (Hep A and B) and they are good for 10 years no matter where you go. So when I went to DR and Cuba and all the other places I knew I was safe. I reccomend the Twinrix shots just to be safe, but I really don't think there is anything you NEED to get before you go. But if it makes your mother feel better, than tell her about Twinrix. (I am not sure if there is a US name for it)