The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated guides for relief workers and others traveling to Haiti in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that decimated the country.
The CDC said several vaccines are recommended for travelers to Haiti. People are urged to talk with their doctors to make sure they have had all necessary vaccines.
Relief workers should be up-to-date on vaccines such as measles/mumps/rubella, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus, polio, seasonal and H1N1 flu, and varicella. It is especially important to have a current tetanus shot, the CDC said.
Even if your departure is imminent, one dose of hepatitis A vaccine provides adequate short-term protection for healthy people. For long-term protection, a second dose is required six to 18 months after the first dose, depending on the brand of vaccine used.
There are two vaccines available for typhoid prevention. The injectable vaccine may be preferable to the oral vaccine in cases where travel is imminent. The oral vaccine requires refrigeration and four tablets taken every other day over one week.
Hepatitis B: If your departure is imminent, the first in a three-dose series (day 0, one month and six months) may provide some protection. An accelerated dosing schedule may be used (doses at days 0, seven, and at 21 to 30 days with a booster at 12 months).
The guidance also addresses dengue, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and anthrax.
It lists key items to bring, including first aid kits, as well as and lists safe food and drinks. It also addresses the emotional and psychological difficulties of working in Haiti right now.
To read the entire announcement, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
