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Travel Medicine (Expert Forum)
Punta Cana
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
Questions in the Travel Medicine forum are answered by Dr. Philip D Parks, affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health. Topics covered include disease prevention, finding a doctor abroad, food and water safety, illness and injury abroad, mosquito and tick protection, resources for travelers, traveling with children or pets, traveling with special needs, vaccinations and immunizations.
Punta Cana
by dmg101505, Mar 11, 2008 06:51PM
To: Dr. Parks
We are traveling to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on March 16th for a week with our 20 month old. Our pediatrician recommended the Hep A vaccination as well mefloquine to prevent malaria. Should I be concerned about her taking both of these during the same week (this week) or in combination in general? Are there any additional health precautions we should be taking in visiting this country?
I will also visit the websites that you provided for the other inquirer.
Thank you so much for your professional feedback.
We are traveling to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on March 16th for a week with our 20 month old. Our pediatrician recommended the Hep A vaccination as well mefloquine to prevent malaria. Should I be concerned about her taking both of these during the same week (this week) or in combination in general? Are there any additional health precautions we should be taking in visiting this country?
I will also visit the websites that you provided for the other inquirer.
Thank you so much for your professional feedback.
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Mar 12, 2008 04:25PM
, Mar 12, 2008 04:25PM
To: dmg101505
Hello.
There are no additional known risks to receiving the Hepatitis A vaccination and starting mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis.
Remember, the immunologic benefit from the Hepatitis A vaccination will not be present for 3-6 weeks after receiving the vaccination.
Is this her first Hepatitis A vaccination?
Additional health precautions:
1. Food and water precautions. see: http://mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/mamerica_carib/dominican_republic.html
2. Seat belt and car seat precautions.
3. Dengue fever is another mosquito borne illness for which we have NO vaccination and NO treatment. The best recommendation is to avoid mosquito bites.
4. Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, and streams.
5. Pack a travel medical kit for essentials for own benefit and your toddler. For example, bring an extra supply of any prescription medications that you take on a daily or frequent basis. And, always keep one complete supply of your medications on your person (or in your carry-on luggage) -- just in case your checked luggage is lost.
* and take a look at the CDC travel site for usual precautions.
* consider visiting the CIA and State Department Websites for travel warnings.
Please respond with any additional questions.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
There are no additional known risks to receiving the Hepatitis A vaccination and starting mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis.
Remember, the immunologic benefit from the Hepatitis A vaccination will not be present for 3-6 weeks after receiving the vaccination.
Is this her first Hepatitis A vaccination?
Additional health precautions:
1. Food and water precautions. see: http://mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/mamerica_carib/dominican_republic.html
2. Seat belt and car seat precautions.
3. Dengue fever is another mosquito borne illness for which we have NO vaccination and NO treatment. The best recommendation is to avoid mosquito bites.
4. Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, and streams.
5. Pack a travel medical kit for essentials for own benefit and your toddler. For example, bring an extra supply of any prescription medications that you take on a daily or frequent basis. And, always keep one complete supply of your medications on your person (or in your carry-on luggage) -- just in case your checked luggage is lost.
* and take a look at the CDC travel site for usual precautions.
* consider visiting the CIA and State Department Websites for travel warnings.
Please respond with any additional questions.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
