How to Get Immunizations for Philippines
Travelers to the Philippines need a number of immunizations prior to departure to protect themselves against serious diseases. In addition to standard vaccinations and immunizations, people visiting the Philippines should guard against a range of other infections, including rabies, meningococcus and typhoid.
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Instructions
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Make an appointment to see your doctor at least 2 months in advance of your trip. Some of the immunizations you'll need are delivered in stages, requiring an incubation period between treatments. You might need as many as 8 weeks for your immunizations to take full effect.
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Get immunized against both Hepatitis A and B. Everyone going to the Philippines should get protection against Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B immunizations are usually only required of people staying for 6 months or longer.
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Make sure that your immunizations against tetanus, diptheria, measles, mumps and rubella are still effective. You should get a tetanus and diptheria booster every 10 years. Travelers born after 1956 should get a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot, provided they haven't already received one.
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Get a typhoid shot. While this is a good precaution to take regardless of your exact plans, it is essential if your itinerary is going to force you to eat or drink outside of a resort, a major hotel or a restaurant chain.
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Get a meningococcus vaccination if you will be visiting the Baguio City area, or the Cordillera region of the Philippines. People in those areas face a higher risk of contracting meningitis and related infections.
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Have a Japanese encephalitis immunization done if you're going to be in close contact with rural populations, or if your stay in the Philippines is going to last longer than 1 month.
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Ask your doctor for a malaria vaccination if you're going spend time in rural regions of the Philippines. However, a malaria immunization is not necessary if you're going to go to any of the following areas of the country: Manila, Sequijor, northern Samar, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Masbate, Aklan, Bilaran, Catanduanes, Capiz, Bohol or Camugin.
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Tips & Warnings
Travelers' diarrhea can be accompanied by fever, chills or serious abdominal pain. If this happens, you should seek the care of a doctor as soon as possible. Generally, the illness is mild, and you can treat it by maintaining proper hydration and taking an antidiarrheal medication when symptoms first appear.
