Pakistan
Risk / Health Info for Pakistan
If you are travelling to Pakistan, make sure your shots, including rabies and measles, are up to date. You may need proof of your polio vaccination, so consult a Canadian Travel Clinics adviser for advice. Consider also getting hepatitis A and B, cholera and typhoid shots. There is a risk of malaria in some parts of Pakistan, so at least six weeks before you go, ask our experts about anti-malaria pills. Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes to avoid contracting other mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever, Zika and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. There have been reports of avian influenza, so avoid exposure to live or dead poultry.
Healthcare facilities in cities in Pakistan varies in quality and standards, including sanitation. There is almost no emergency service. Most medical facilities require prepayment in cash. Remember your Canadian health plan will not cover you when you travel, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you go to Pakistan.
- Altitude in Pakistan
- Parts of Pakistan are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.
- Dengue fever in Pakistan
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Pakistan. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
- Japanese encephalitis in Pakistan
- Malaria in Pakistan
- Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Pakistan at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.
Recommended Vaccines for Pakistan
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Japanese encephalitis | 2 Doses |
| Malaria prophylaxis | |
| Rabies | |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
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About Pakistan
Pakistan was a key part of the old Silk Road, with a vastly varied landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers, glaciers and forests, and an equally varied climate. Since it transitioned to democracy, the country has reduced poverty but been involved in armed conflict.
top Tips for travelling to Pakistan
Foreign visitors may be required to travel with armed escorts in some parts of Pakistan. Global Affairs Canada advises against travelling to Pakistan because of the unpredictable security situation, so check before you go.