TravelBabies

Hi all,
Haven't been on here in ages but it's the source I refer to in times of need. We're travelling from Europe to Punta in two weeks time and are travelling with our two young children. Very concerned as we've heard reports that we need to get vaccinated for Typhoid and Hepatitis A - as well as Tetanus. The kids won't need Tetanus as they would have already received that with the general vaccinations children are given in their early years. We've also been told that we should have a course of Malaria pills - taking one a day prior to our trip, as well as one each day we're there (12 days) followed by a pill each day for 7 days following our trip. My husband and I aren't too concerned about taking these ourselves, but we're anxious about our young children taking these - especially the daily malaria tablets considering our youngest is already on medication. I am going to speak in depth with our doctor about this but wanted to see what you guys thought here, especially the frequent travellers from the US - what have you guys heard? Thanks for any help or info you can provide.

virginia

i just asked 2 people, 1 who was on island 18 months ago & 1 headed this week. both said no shots or meds were required or even suggested. hope this helps. i'd take your docs advise though.

TravelBabies

Thanks for your quick reply, virginia. I know what you mean - nothing was even mentioned or suggested and then this arose this past weekend during conversation and now it has got us thinking - if the kids weren't going I probably wouldn't give it a second thought, however, they are and I don't want to leave anything to chance. That said, for all the years I lived in the US and travelled to the Caribbean (various islands for various vacations) this was never, ever an issue that I thought of or heard of. That said, maybe with all that has gone on in Haiti during the recent months and the circumstances there that this is now a current issue. Will probably do what the doctor advises. Thanks again.

schmerl

I have been to Punta Cana and took no medication and got no vaccines.
I have since gotten my Hepatitis vaccine because my doctor said everyone should have it whether they travel or not.

JeanH

Here's the link for the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommendations for travel to the Dominican Republic.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinat...-republic.aspx

In the US, most kids are now routinely being vaccinated against Hepatitis A & B as infants/toddlers.

The health risks I'm willing to take myself are far different than they are for my children. Make sure you find a physician who knows something about travel medicine.

Continental_Drifter

TravelBabies - I have not heard or read anything (including the link above that JeanH provides) to indicate that vaccinations are required or eve recommended. However, we are in the US and you often receive different information in Europe.

As to the malaria meds - I'm not sure how old your children are, but we did put all three of our kids on malaria meds. They were 8, 10 and 12 the first time. However, there are three different malaria meds. Our youngest tolerated a weekly pill much better at that time. Talk with your physician. Not all of the meds are daily.

Also - as with the daily medication, it tastes terrible and has an awful aftertaste. This may make getting small children to take it willingly rather difficult.

You may have a tropical travel or tropical disease clinic in your city. If your pediatrician is not up to date on this inquiry, check with the tropical travel clinic.

Our pediatrician relied on the CDC website above for her choice of medications and dosing for the very specific areas in which we were traveling.

Good luck!

TravelBabies

Thanks to all who responded. We leave on Sunday and I have to say, we're looking forward to it. As a US citizen who travelled to the Caribbean several times a number of years ago, I never heard of or got vaccinations - and I was working in the travel industry. I've spoken with a couple of former colleagues still in the business who advised that they have many friends who travel to the DR without vaccinations and have never heard of any issues. With that in mind, I'm forgoing the medical recommendations (not requirements) mentioned in Europe. We did not reach this decision lightly and feel we did our homework on the matter. I've spoken to several doctors here, one of whom was in the Caribbean on a cruise this summer and he also never even thought of this and was quite close to the DR. I even discussed meds with our local pharmacist - who also stopped off on a private island off the DR during her cruise there this summer and there was no mention of it and she had no concerns and got no vaccinations herself. I also contacted the doctor on site at the hotel we're going to and they did not recommend any vaccinations, but I'm glad to know there is a medical facility onsite 24/7. I am, however, bringing mosquito repellant (lots of it), general meds, etc. When we return, in good health I hope, I will report back. Thanks again for your replies!

virginia

hope you have a wonderful vacation. looking forward to your trip report.