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Health and Medicine

You should make an appointment with your family doctor and dentist for a check-up before the trip. A rough guide for an immunization program is as follows: (We must stress that this is only a basic guide - and you must abide by the advice of your doctor).

  1. Polio. Normally you will just need an adult booster.
  2. Tetanus. An updated shot is recommended.
  3. Typhoid. This series is now available in pill form, and gives 5 years of coverage.
  4. Hepatitis (A). Gama globulin injection, taken just prior to commencement of trip. A new serum, Havrix, is now available and provides 10 years coverage.
  5. Anti-malarial prophylactics: Please consult with your doctor for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
  6. Meningitis A+C. This vaccination is now recommended. Three years of coverage.
  7. Yellow Fever is recommended.
  8. Diamox: A number of studies have consistently shown that the controlled taking of Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of AMS (Acute mountain sickness). We would recommend that you ask your doctor to provide you with a small supply of Diamox (12 x 250mg tablets). You may have to get this drug on a private prescription.

Given enough notice, your doctor or local health clinic should be able to advise you and administer all the above.

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

Although every trip carries a comprehensive medical kit, it is advisable to bring a small supply of first aid items for your own personal use. Base this on the following list, plus any special medications you may require:

  1. Insect repellent. (Repel 100 or Jungle Formula).
  2. Antiseptic cream.
  3. Sun/face cream and lip screen.
  4. Throat lozenges or hard candies.
  5. Anti-diarrhoearal (Diocalm or Immodium).
  6. Anti-protozoan. (Flagyl). Please consult with your doctor.
  7. Antibiotics. a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Ciproflaxin or Septrin for treating a variety of infections. Please consult with your doctor.
  8. Analgesics. Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol - for headaches etc. (NOT Codeine-based painkillers).
  9. Plasters, moleskin or Second Skin.
  10. Diamox. (discussed above).
  11. Re-hydration salts. (oral) e.g. Dioralite. We recommend that you - bring a small personal supply of perhaps 8 packets. A Gatorade-type electrolyte powder is a good idea.
  12. Dextrose glucose tablets.
  13. Multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.
  14. Iodine-based water purification tablets or a small bottle of tincture of iodine with a dropper (Chlorine-based water purifiers are not suitable).

Vaccinations

You should visit your own doctor and dentist for a check-up prior to taking your trip to Mongolia.
The following is a ROUGH GUIDE for immunization. (We must stress that this is only a basic guide to the most commonly required vaccinations for travel worldwide. You must seek and abide by the specific advice of your local doctor/medical professional).

  1. Polio (normally you will just need a booster.)
  2. Tetanus.
  3. Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
  4. Hepatitis (A) and (B).
  5. Anti-malarial prophylaxis: There is no risk of malaria throughout Mongolia.
  6. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. This may be useful especially if cycling.

Please refer to your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. In the unlikely case of your being bitten, this vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment. Given enough notice, your doctor will be able to administer all the above vaccinations.