Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ical expenses abroad, get extra insurance. If you're uninsured, emergency evacuation is
expensive, and bills of more than US$100,000 are not uncommon.
Vaccinations
Specialised travel-medicine clinics stock all available vaccines and can give specific recom-
mendations for your trip. The doctors will consider factors including past vaccination history,
your trip's duration, activities you may be undertaking and underlying medical conditions
such as pregnancy.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS
The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination
will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six
days before entering Sri Lanka.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends travellers consider the following
vaccinations for travellers to Sri Lanka (as well as being up to date with measles, mumps
and rubella vaccinations).
Adult diphtheria and tetanus
Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10
years.
Hepatitis A
Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year.
Hepatitis B
Now considered routine for most travellers.
Japanese Encephalitis
Recommended for rural travel, people who will be doing outdoor
activities or for anyone staying longer than 30 days.
Polio
Incidence has been unreported in Sri Lanka for several years but must be assumed
to be present.
Rabies
Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years' protec-
tion.
Typhoid
Recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka, even if you only visit urban areas.
Varicella
If you haven't had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water; for the former, look for the small
round 'SLSI' logo which shows the water has been tested by the government's Sri Lanka
Standards Institution (the majority of local brands).
