Travelling to Pakistan? Need Vaccinations?
Pakistan is in South Asia and is connected to the Arabian sea. There is such contrast in Pakistan with every kind of geography to see. You can see forests, seas, mountains and deserts. While in Pakistan have a go at trekking or hiking. It’s a real treat. If that’s not for you, why not try horse riding, cycling or just wondering about town shopping to your hearts content. Alternatively pick a restaurant and sit and enjoy the culinary delights that Pakistan has to offer.
What Vaccinations do I need for Travel to Pakistan?
Before travelling to Pakistan it would be useful to ensure that you have had all of your routine UK Jabs, including:
Diphtheria Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Tetanus Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Polio Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
For information on vaccines for life in the UK see the British National Vaccination Schedule. Depending on where in Pakistan you are travelling, your current health condition, lifestyle and occupational risks, the other vaccinations that you may require for Pakistan are:
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Cholera Vaccination
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Typhoid Vaccination
Book an appointment at our Travel Vaccination Clinic for more information and expert advice on the injections and other precautions you may need for your time in Pakistan
Further Travel Health Advice for Pakistan
Malaria
Malaria precautions are advised for travel to Pakistan. There is a risk of malaria in some parts of the country. Talk to our travel nurse who will be best able to offer you expert travel advice before you travel. Taking reasonable steps such as repellent and mosquito nets to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes to give you the greatest protection against infection while travelling.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever precautions should be taken for travel to Pakistan. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from a specific mosquito, which seems to be most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do is try to avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net. Our travel nurse will be best able to advise you before you travel.
Altitude Sickness
Some parts of Pakistan are situated higher than 2500m, so depending on where you go, altitude sickness could be a problem. You can obtain altitude sickness medication and practice appropriate acclimatisation and gradual ascents to counter altitude sickness. Don’t forget, its not just your climbing altitude but your sleeping altitude as well that must be considered. Our travel nurse will be able to discuss these with you and offer you the relevant advice.
Heat and Humidity
Pakistan is mostly hot and dry. However, some regions can be different. Check the weather for the period you are travelling, as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions.
Water Safe
Tap water is variable, sometimes safe, sometimes not. Check with where you are staying or just stick to bottled or filtered water. Don’t forget to also be mindful of foods washed in water and of ice cubes.
Food and Drink
Pakistan has lots of different food to try, and contrary to popular belief it isn’t all spicy. If you would like something milder, just ask for it and cooks will generally oblige. This is a Muslim country so please be respectful of the alcohol laws if you don’t want to find yourself in a little bit of trouble.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Malaria and Dengue Fever, which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for these infections is listed above.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while in Pakistan.
Personal Safety
Due to changing political situations and some volatile tribal areas, you would be wise to check with your embassy before travelling to Pakistan. Try and stay away from the Afghan border, as it can be dangerous as well as travelling near military convoys or visiting military facilities. Be sensible when travelling here and always put your own safety first.