Dominican Republic?

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Rowena

It might be a good idea, you never know what might happen. You probably should get one anyway if your having any doubts about going there without one. It's better to be safe than sorry.

My baby boy arrived! 12/2/08

It is a good idea, however, it is not required.

stella39

I have been to Dominican Republic quite a few times and I have never taken any shots.

If you are planning to go in the jungle or into the woods, than I would talk to my doctor.

go to this website to see if the US government put out any warnings for DR.

I think there is more danger picking up a virus on the plane than anywhere else. Just wash your hands often when traveling, especially after using the public bathrooms, before eating. I always carry wipes with me while traveling.

http://www.travel.state.gov

enjoy and good luck)

The "L" Word

You should always take shots if you're planning on visiting any rural areas or towns close to the Haitian border. I did not take my doctor's advice once when I went to Chile and ended up gravely ill that resulted in 2.5 months of disability leave from work. Make sure to get shots to prevent malaria, meningitis, hepatitis, dengue (major outbreak now throughout the Caribbean) and other diseases that are transferable. Avoid seafood when traveling to the third world and make sure to drink bottled water and inspect if restaurants have a government seal of approval for food safety. The DR national government has made this one of their main goals in order to promote safe and enjoyable holidays for foreigners.

Milos K

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The clinical manifestations of HBV infection range in severity from no symptoms to fulminant hepatitis. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B may include fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, followed within a few days by jaundice
The highest seroprevalence of antibody to the HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) was found in the Dominican Republic (21.4%), followed by Brazil (7.9%), Venezuela (3.2%) and Argentina (2.1%).
Persons at Risk
Persons Level of Risk
Drug users who share needles or other injecting equipment (works) High
Those who 'snort' drugs High
Those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners High
Homosexual men Medium
People from countries where the virus is regularly found (Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Southern and Western Pacific Islands, the Amazon Basin, Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Medium
Those who spend time in prison Medium
Hemophiliacs Low
Individuals who undergo hemodialysis Low
Health Care Workers (HCWs), Emergency Services Workers Low
Prevention

* Vaccines are available for the prevention of Hep B, and this is the best way to protect yourself.
* Try to eliminate risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex and injecting drugs.
* Pregnant women should be tested for Hep B. If they are positive, there are simple measures which can protect their newborn infants from infection.
* Avoid sharing personal items likely to become infected with blood. These include toothbrushes and razors.
* Tattooing and body piercing are also possible transmission pathways, so careful thought of the person performing these procedures is recommended. Unless the equipment is cleaned and sterilized effectively, the blood of an infected person may still be present.
* HCWs and other people likely to be exposed to blood, blood products, or other bodily fluids are advised to be vaccinated against HBV.

Ailsa M

I got hep a, and b there, but i don't know if a shot would have prevented it. probably.... Better safe than sorry !

Happy Feet

I live here for more than 13 years and I don't have any problems! Don't believe all what people with no experience tell you!
Enjoy your holliday !

^^Smile^^

It is not really required but like someone said if you have your doubts. You can always get your shot just in case. The Dominican Rep. It is not high zone for HAV.

Enjoy your stay!!

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