How to Get Immunizations for Iraq

Traveling to Iraq poses some health and security risks for Americans. Contact the Iraqi embassy in Washington D.C. to obtain an Iraqi visa. Both a passport and valid visa are required for civilians to gain entry into Iraq. You may not be able to protect yourself from a terrorist attack, but you can protect yourself from disease by getting the recommended immunizations before going to Iraq.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site to obtain the most current list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccination is needed. Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio are recommended for all travelers, except infants and pregnant women. A rabies vaccination may be necessary for extended trips or when there is a risk of exposure.
2. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations. Get the Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) booster, unless pregnant, if you never received a second vaccination. Tetanus should be updated every 10 years. Individuals who risk exposure to Hepatitis B, as well as children who did not receive the series as infants, should receive this additional vaccination.
3. Find out the current yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria situation for Iraq at the World Health Organization Web site. Yellow fever and malaria are both transmitted by mosquito bites. Yellow fever is currently not a health risk in Iraq. Malaria exists in some regions, and anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling to infected areas.
4. Call your doctor at least two months in advance of your trip to make an appointment to receive the Hepatitis A and other routine immunizations at least four weeks before departure.
5. Visit your doctor to get the scheduled immunizations. An oral typhoid vaccine is available for travelers who are at least six years old, and an injection is approved for those over age two. Polio only requires a booster if you received the recommended child vaccination. When traveling to a malaria-risk area, get an anti-malaria drug and start taking it before your trip as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• When traveling to malaria-risk areas, pack long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to protect yourself against insect bites. Also bring mosquito repellent containing DEET, and in some cases, insecticide-treated mosquito netting is a good precautionary measure
• Continue taking anti-malarial medication for 4 weeks after your return or as prescribed by your doctor.
• All of the mentioned immunizations have possible side effects which include soreness, and redness at the site of the injection. You may also experience headache, nausea and abdominal pain.
• If you become ill with flu-like symptoms while traveling or for up to a year after your return, seek medical attention immediately to rule out malaria.
• Eat food that is well cooked and drink only bottled water to prevent typhoid. Avoid dairy products that aren't pasteurized and beverages that contain ice.