Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hepatitis B
Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six
months. A rapid schedule is also available, as is a combined vaccination with hepatitis A.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Two doses of MMR are required unless you have
had the diseases. Many young adults require a booster.
Polio
There have been no reported cases of polio in Myanmar in recent years. Adults re-
quire only one booster for lifetime protection.
Typhoid
Recommended unless your trip is less than a week and only to developed cities.
The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years and comes as a
single shot. Tablets are also available but the injection is usually recommended as it has
fewer side effects.
Varicella (chickenpox)
If you haven't had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your
doctor.
Websites & Further Reading
Lonely Planet's
Healthy Travel - Asia & India
is packed with useful information. Other re-
commended references include
Travellers' Health
by Dr Richard Dawood and
Travelling
Well
by Dr Deborah Mills. Online resources:
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC;
www.cdc.gov
)
MD Travel Health
(
www.mdtravelhealth.com
)
World Health Organization
(
www.who.int/ith
/)
DRINKING WATER
»
Never drink tap water.
»
Check bottled water seals are intact at purchase.
»
Avoid ice.
»
Avoid fresh juices - they may have been watered down.
»
Boiling water is the most efficient method of purifying it.
»
Iodine, the best chemical purifier, should not be used by pregnant women or
those who suffer with thyroid problems.
»
Ensure your water filter has a chemical barrier, such as iodine, and a pore size of
less than 4 microns.
