IMMUNIZATIONS FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Bibles & Bricks Teams

Youth Application Adult Application Information Sheet

The following immunizations are recommended by the Heath Department and REQUIRED by the Bibles & Bricks planning team (for your own safety):

If you have not had Hepatitis A and B, there is now a combination drug for both Hepatitis A&B. The first two shots are given one month apart, with the last shot given six months after that. In order for this to be effective, you have to receive two doses, so there is plenty for time for that if it’s done soon. If you only need Hepatitis A, this is given now and will receive a booster in 6 months. This confers life long immunity.

If you do not know your status regarding Polio, you will need a booster on Polio since there have been recent outbreaks of Polio in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A booster confers lifelong immunity.

Typhoid protection can be given either orally or by injection. The oral Typhoid (pills) confers immunity for 5 years. The injectable Typhoid confers immunity for two years. The Health Department does not have the oral Typhoid. Team physicians at Second can get a prescription for you if your doctor cannot.

For Measles, if you were born before 1957 you have HERD immunity “a great phrase.” If you were born after 1957, you would need to discuss with Health Department representatives whether you need the Measles vaccination or not.

Tetanus Diphtheria is good for 10 years. If you know when your last shot was and it was within 10 years, you do not need another shot.

Malaria-Chloroquine prophylaxes is recommended. One 500 mg capsule a week for 1-2 weeks before the trip; one capsule while there and one capsule for four weeks after the trip. Malaria can be latent 6 months to one year before onset of diagnosis. Malaria organisms are not Chloroquine sensitive below Panama Canal but are in Haiti and Dominican Republic. Malaria occurs in the Dominican Republic. Our team physicians will arrange for prescriptions for malaria pills about six weeks before trip departure. These are taken by every team member for every trip.

The City Health Department will do these immunizations or you may consult with your own physician. In order to use the city health facilities you need to call and make an appointment. For this appointment call Cynthia Perkins at 857-7600 x 116. If she is not available call Cathy Brown at 387-5530 x 31. (NOTE: Contact names may have changed.)

These shots are relatively expensive and the cost is as follows (these costs may have changed since last reported. Check the Health Department for confirmation):