From the Research
For a 14-year-old traveling to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, I recommend ensuring they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations plus getting hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. Routine vaccinations should include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), polio, chickenpox, and yearly flu vaccine if traveling during flu season. The hepatitis A vaccine is given as two shots, 6 months apart, but even one dose before travel provides protection, as noted in a study on hepatitis A prevention in travelers 1. The typhoid vaccine comes in two forms: an oral vaccine (Vivotif) taken as one capsule every other day for four doses, or an injection (Typhim Vi) given as a single dose at least two weeks before travel. Additionally, consider discussing malaria prevention with a healthcare provider, as parts of the Dominican Republic have malaria risk, although the most recent and highest quality study on vaccines for travelers does not specifically address malaria prevention for Punta Cana 2. While not typically recommended for Punta Cana specifically, they might suggest antimalarial medications like atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Insect protection is also essential, including using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20-30%), wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screens or air conditioning, to prevent not only malaria but also other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus that are present in the Caribbean. Key points to consider include:
- Ensuring all routine vaccinations are up-to-date
- Getting hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines
- Discussing malaria prevention with a healthcare provider
- Using insect protection measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. It's also worth noting that the risk of hepatitis A and typhoid fever can be significant for travelers to developing countries, as highlighted in a study comparing the risks of various vaccine-preventable diseases in travelers 3. However, the benefits of vaccination in improving quality of life and reducing the risk of these diseases should not be overlooked, as discussed in a review of new and improved vaccines 4.