Travel Vaccines for Haiti
Everything you need to stay healthy traveling to Haiti — from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien and the northern beaches. About 25,000 Canadians visit Haiti each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need?
Based on CDC recommendations. Your specific needs may vary based on itinerary, health history, and planned activities.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedHepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Essential for all travellers to Haiti. Sanitation infrastructure is limited throughout much of the country, making this vaccine critical regardless of your accommodation type.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedTyphoid fever is a significant risk in Haiti due to limited water treatment and sanitation infrastructure. The bacteria Salmonella typhi is spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Cholera / Dukoral
Strongly RecommendedHaiti has experienced significant cholera outbreaks since 2010. The oral Dukoral vaccine is strongly recommended for all travellers. It also provides some cross-protection against ETEC traveller's diarrhea. Two oral doses are needed at least one week apart before departure.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedHepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Haiti has moderate hepatitis B prevalence. Recommended for travellers who may need medical care, have intimate contact, or plan extended stays. Particularly important for humanitarian and aid workers.
Rabies
RecommendedRabies is present in Haiti's dog population and other animals. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended especially for longer stays, rural travel, and humanitarian workers. Post-exposure treatment may be very difficult to access in Haiti's current healthcare environment.
Routine (Tdap, MMR, Polio)
RecommendedEnsure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and polio are particularly important. Haiti has experienced outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to low vaccination coverage. A tetanus booster is essential for aid and construction workers.
Important: Vaccine recommendations depend on your specific travel plans, health history, and the areas you'll visit. Book a free consultation for personalized advice.
What to Watch Out For
These are common health concerns for travelers. Most are preventable with proper precautions.
Cholera
Cholera has been a major public health concern in Haiti since the 2010 outbreak. The bacteria Vibrio cholerae is spread through contaminated water and food. Cholera causes severe watery diarrhea and can be fatal without treatment. Strict water and food precautions are essential, combined with Dukoral vaccination.
Use DEET insect repellentMalaria
Malaria risk exists throughout Haiti, including in Port-au-Prince and other urban areas. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species. Unlike many other countries, chloroquine resistance has not been widely reported in Haiti. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers.
Use DEET insect repellentDengue Fever
Dengue is endemic in Haiti and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. Outbreaks are common during the rainy season (May–November). There is no specific treatment. Use insect repellent throughout the day and seek medical attention for high fever with severe headache or joint pain.
Use DEET insect repellentZika Virus
Zika virus is present in Haiti, transmitted by the same Aedes mosquitoes as dengue. Zika poses serious risks to pregnant women and those planning pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. Pregnant travellers should carefully consider the risks. Use mosquito protection diligently.
Use DEET insect repellentRabies
Rabies is present in Haiti's animal population, particularly dogs. Access to post-exposure treatment is extremely limited, especially outside Port-au-Prince. Avoid contact with stray dogs and other animals. If bitten, wash the wound immediately and seek medical help urgently — evacuation may be necessary.
Use DEET insect repellentTraveller's Diarrhea
Traveller's diarrhea is extremely common in Haiti due to limited sanitation infrastructure. Drink only bottled or purified water, avoid ice, eat only thoroughly cooked foods, and peel fruits yourself. Carry oral rehydration salts and a course of antibiotics prescribed by your travel health provider.
Use DEET insect repellentMalaria Information
Malaria risk exists throughout Haiti, including in Port-au-Prince and other urban areas. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species. Notably, chloroquine resistance has not been widely reported in Haiti, making it one of the few remaining destinations where chloroquine may still be effective. Transmission occurs year-round with higher risk during the rainy season (May–November).
Risk Areas
Risk present in: Campeche, Chiapas, southern Chihuahua. Rare in: Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco. No risk along the US-Mexico border or in major resort areas.
Recommended Prevention
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) or Chloroquine are both effective options for Haiti. Chloroquine is a cost-effective choice given the lack of resistance. Doxycycline is also an alternative. Begin medication before travel as directed by your pharmacist and continue after returning. Combine with mosquito bite prevention measures.
Essential Health Tips
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Haiti experienced one of the largest cholera outbreaks in recent history starting in 2010. While the situation has improved, cholera remains a risk, particularly in areas with limited water treatment and sanitation. The Dukoral oral cholera vaccine is strongly recommended for all travellers. Strict food and water precautions are essential.
Yes. Unlike many countries where malaria is limited to rural areas, Haiti has malaria risk in urban areas including Port-au-Prince. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers to Haiti regardless of itinerary. The good news is that chloroquine is still effective in Haiti, making it a more affordable prophylaxis option.
Humanitarian and aid workers going to Haiti should receive all standard travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera/Dukoral) plus Hepatitis B and Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Rabies vaccination is especially important as workers may encounter stray dogs and have limited access to post-exposure treatment. Ensure routine vaccinations including tetanus are current.
Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Haiti. Drink only commercially bottled water with an intact seal, or water that has been boiled for at least one minute or treated with a reliable purification method. Avoid ice in drinks, fountain beverages, and fresh juices made with tap water. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth.
Health risks in Haiti are significant and should be taken seriously. Limited healthcare infrastructure, ongoing disease risks (cholera, malaria, dengue), and challenging sanitation conditions mean thorough preparation is essential. With proper vaccinations, antimalarial medication, strict food/water precautions, and comprehensive travel insurance, risks can be effectively managed.
Visit a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure. The Dukoral cholera vaccine requires two oral doses at least one week apart. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination requires multiple doses over 3-4 weeks. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines need 2-4 weeks for optimal protection. Your pharmacist will also prescribe antimalarial medication.
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