Dominican Republic Travel Health and Vaccinations
Hep A, Typhoid, routine boosters, dengue/chikungunya prevention.
Pre-travel vaccines for Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Samaná and Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is a top Caribbean destination for UK travellers — Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts, Puerto Plata, the Samaná peninsula, Santo Domingo's colonial heart, and increasingly active travel (whale watching, diving, hiking Pico Duarte). The travel-health profile is moderate: no mandatory vaccines, dengue and chikungunya as the main mosquito concerns, and very limited focal malaria in remote rural areas.
At Gunwharf Travel Clinic we run DR pre-travel appointments year-round, peak November–April. A typical appointment is 30 minutes.
Abdullah Seyed (MPharm, GPhC reg. 2211356) leads day-to-day clinical practice. Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic, is GPhC-registered (premises 1099145).
For DR you'll typically consider: Hepatitis A and Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster, Hepatitis B for longer stays, and dengue prevention as the headline mosquito message.
Lead pharmacist at Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic on Queen Street, Portsea. GPhC-registered (reg. 2211356), travel-medicine trained, working under UK regulatory standards.
The DR is a moderate-vaccine, dengue-focused destination
Vaccines are short and standard. Dengue and chikungunya bite-prevention is the more important pre-travel conversation for most travellers.
Hep A and Typhoid — standard recommendations
Hepatitis A recommended for almost all DR travellers — food and water exposure is real even in all-inclusive resorts. Typhoid worth considering particularly for travellers eating outside resort restaurants or staying longer.
Routine boosters
Up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster if more than 10 years. Hepatitis B for longer stays.
Dengue and chikungunya — the mosquito story
Both dengue and chikungunya are present in the DR with seasonal peaks during wet season (May–November). Cases occur in resort areas as well as cities. No suitable UK vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Prevention is bite-avoidance: DEET-based repellent, long clothing where practical, especially around dawn/dusk and during the day (these mosquitoes are daytime biters). We cover in detail.
Malaria — not a routine concern
Malaria is rare in the DR, with very limited focal risk in some remote western rural areas. Routine tablets aren't recommended for typical tourist travel including Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and the main resort areas.
Yellow Fever — only on transit grounds
Yellow Fever isn't required from UK travellers. Required only from travellers arriving from a YF-risk country in the previous 6 days.
Practical considerations
Tap water isn't safe across the DR — use bottled or filtered. Resort food is well-controlled. Independent travel involves more exposure. Sun exposure in the Caribbean year-round — high-SPF, water-resistant cream essential. We cover all of this at your appointment.
Booking your DR appointment
Book online at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking or call 02392 821859. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
Everything you need in one appointment
Hep A + Typhoid, routine booster, dengue prevention.
Pre-DR review
Resort, independent, family or active travel — we tailor advice to your trip.
Hep A + Typhoid
Standard Caribbean bundle. Combined visit, single appointment.
Routine booster check
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster if more than 10 years.
Dengue prevention
Dengue and chikungunya widespread. Bite-prevention covered in detail — DEET, clothing, timing.
30-minute appointment
Quick, focused. Most DR travellers walk out with vaccines and a written summary.
Travel summary
Practical guide covering vaccines, dengue, food and water, sun exposure, and what to do if unwell.
30-minute appointment for Dominican Republic pre-travel review.
Three steps from booking to DR-ready.
Book your appointment
Pick a slot at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking. Tell us if it's resort or independent travel.
Pre-DR visit
24 Queen St, Portsea. Hep A + Typhoid and routine boosters given. Dengue prevention covered.
Travel summary
Walk out with personalised written summary covering vaccines, dengue, sun exposure, and what to do if you fall ill.
Thirty minutes from arrival to vaccinated.
What actually happens when you walk through the door at 24 Queen Street.
Best pharmacy in Portsmouth. Nothing ever too much trouble. Always pleasant, helpful, understanding and so friendly.
Every vaccine you need. One appointment.
The vaccines UK clinics actually stock...
Real advice. Real travellers.
"Best pharmacy in Portsmouth..."
"Excellent pharmacy..."
"I find the staff polite..."
On Queen Street, Portsea. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
24 Queen Street, Portsea,
Portsmouth PO1 3HN
In the city · Walk or short drive
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Common Dominican Republic travel vaccine questions
Do I need vaccines for the Dominican Republic?
Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most travellers. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster check. Hepatitis B for longer stays. No mandatory vaccines from the UK.
What about dengue?
Widespread across the DR with seasonal peaks May–November. No suitable UK vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Prevention is bite-avoidance — DEET, long clothing, especially around dawn/dusk and during the day.
Do I need malaria tablets?
Not for typical tourist travel including Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and the main resort areas. Very limited focal risk in some remote western rural areas only.
What about chikungunya?
Present in the DR with periodic outbreaks. Same prevention as dengue — bite-avoidance with DEET and long clothing.
Is the resort food safe?
All-inclusive resorts have well-controlled food and water. Hep A vaccine gives backup if you do get caught out by something. Stick to hot cooked food where possible.
Is the tap water safe?
No — use bottled or filtered water throughout. Resort buffets generally use safe water for cooking and ice but bottled water is the safer choice for drinking.
Can children travel safely?
Yes — DR is hugely popular for family travel. Vaccines licensed for paediatric use. Sun and dengue prevention apply equally.
Where do I get my DR vaccines in Portsmouth?
Gunwharf Travel Clinic, 24 Queen Street, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3HN. Same-day appointments most weeks. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
From Portsmouth to 24 Queen Street
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Pharmaceutical
Council
FEVER
ZONE
Book your pre-travel vaccinations.
Same-day appointments. Dengue prevention advice included.
- TravelHealthPro — Dominican Republic travel health (accessed 2026-05-20)
- FCDO Travel Advice — Dominican Republic (accessed 2026-05-20)
- UK Health Security Agency — Green Book — Hep A and Typhoid chapters (accessed 2026-05-20)
- GPhC — Register entry — Abdullah Seyed (2211356) at Merali Pharmacy (accessed 2026-05-20)
Information on this page is general guidance from Gunwharf Travel Clinic, operated by Merali Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1099145). We check current TravelHealthPro guidance at each appointment.
